U.S. President Donald Trump has said Washington is “seriously considering” withdrawing from NATO, escalating tensions with the alliance as disputes deepen over allied support for the U.S.-Israel war involving Iran. In an interview with Britain’s Daily Telegraph, Trump reportedly described NATO as a “paper tiger” and suggested the question of continued U.S. membership had moved “beyond reconsideration.”
The remarks come after Trump repeatedly criticized NATO partners for refusing to back U.S. military efforts in the Middle East, including over security in the Strait of Hormuz. He has argued that support from allies should have been automatic and has accused European partners of failing to stand by Washington during the crisis.
Trump also reiterated his long-running skepticism toward the alliance, saying he had “never been swayed by NATO” and claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin also viewed it as weak. His latest comments have fueled fears of a major transatlantic rupture at a time when NATO is already under strain from disagreements over Iran, Ukraine, and wider security burdens.
So far, neither the White House nor NATO headquarters has issued a full formal response to the latest remarks. But the comments are likely to intensify concern among U.S. allies, given that any American withdrawal would shake the foundation of the alliance’s collective defense system and reshape the future of Western security cooperation.