US President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of NATO allies on Wednesday, accusing Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and France of failing to provide adequate support during the recent war with Iran, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended European contributions and warned against undermining the alliance.

Speaking from the White House, Trump singled out key European partners for what he described as “disappointing” levels of military assistance during the conflict, which erupted in April 2026 following a series of Iranian strikes on Gulf shipping lanes and energy infrastructure. “Several of our closest allies did not step up when it mattered most,” Trump told reporters. “That is not acceptable.”

Rutte, who met with Trump earlier in the day, countered that European NATO members had matched US defense spending levels and contributed significantly to regional security. “The alliance remains strong because of shared commitment,” Rutte said, presenting data to the president showing that European defense outlays had risen to 2.1% of GDP in 2025, meeting the alliance’s long-standing target. Despite Rutte’s presentation, Trump reiterated his dissatisfaction, arguing that financial contributions did not always translate into operational support.

The exchange comes ahead of next week’s NATO summit in Ankara, where tensions over burden-sharing and strategic direction are expected to dominate discussions. Trump also signalled a conciliatory gesture toward Turkey, suggesting that the US would move forward with a $750 million sale of F-110 jet engines for Ankara’s KAAN fighter programme, bypassing congressional objections. The administration framed the decision as recognition of Turkey’s role as a “great partner in the region,” a move likely to ease tensions with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ahead of the summit.

Rutte’s public praise for Trump has drawn criticism in some European capitals, where diplomats question whether his approach risks normalising divisive rhetoric. German media described him as either a “skilful diplomat” or a “humiliating Trump whisperer,” reflecting broader unease over the alliance’s cohesion. Meanwhile, Trump’s allies in Washington argue that his tough stance has forced European partners to reassess their commitments. “The president is holding feet to the fire,” said former acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker. “Europeans are finally cheering on his peace efforts.”

As the summit approaches, the rift underscores the challenges facing NATO in maintaining unity amid divergent threat perceptions and political priorities. With Trump’s reelection campaign in full swing, the episode is likely to intensify debates over the alliance’s future role in global security.

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Articles

My Turn: NATO — Is it still important? - Greenfield Recorder

gdeltproject.org · 8 days ago

Trump wants $88B for Iran war, disaster aid in emergency request The White House is seeking more than $67 billion for the Pentagon and $11 billion for farm assistance.

politico.eu · 8 days ago

#Trump weaponizes #Rutte to attack #Meloni for her earlier pushback.Expect more fireworks at #NATO summit in Turkey.

mastodon bot · 8 days ago

Trump slams NATO over lax participation in Iran war in talk with Mark RutteHey, Donald, #NATO is a defensive alliance. You started the #IranWar -- an offensive action.#corruption #incompetence

mastodon bot · 8 days ago

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tagesspiegel · 8 days ago

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yenisafak · 8 days ago

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yenisafak · 8 days ago

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yenisafak · 8 days ago

NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte Gives Remain in NATO Pitch to President Trump in White House

gdeltproject.org · 8 days ago

NATO allies are cheering on Trumps peace efforts: Matthew Whitaker #Europe #NATO

mastodon bot · 8 days ago

Irão acusa NATO de "cumplicidade" com os EUA na guerra

mastodon bot · 9 days ago

Rutte z laskanjem Trumpu skušal omiliti napetosti med ZDA in evropskimi zavezniki Generalni sekretar zveze Nato Mark Rutte je med obiskom v Beli hiši skušal omiliti napetosti med Washingtonom in evropskimi zavezniki po nedavni vojni z Iranom, kar je skušal doseči tudi z laskanjem predsedniku Donaldu Trumpu.

rtv slovenia · 9 days ago

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handelsblatt · 9 days ago

yenisafak · 9 days ago

Reacția furioasă a Iranulului după ce șeful NATO a spus că Italia şi România au ajutat SUA să atace Iranul: „O mărturisire zdrobitoare Purtătorul de cuvânt al Ministerului iranian de Externe, Esmail Baghai, a acuzat joi NATO de „complicitate la „războiul de agresiune ilegal declanşat împotriva Iranului de către Statele Unite şi Israel. El a făcut referire la declarațiile secretarului general NATO, Mark Rutte, care a vorbit despre ajutorul dat de Italia și România Satelor Unite în războiul declanșat împotriva Iranului.

digi24 · 9 days ago

Irão acusa NATO de "cumplicidade" com os EUA na guerra Irão condenou países da NATO por serem "cúmplices deste ato flagrante de agressão (...) de atrocidades"

observador · 9 days ago

Iranul condamnă România pentru „complicitate la „războiul ilegal al SUA. Reacția, după declarațiile lui Rutte privind sprijinul acordat de București „Secretarul general al NATO a indicat în mod explicit Italia și România ca fiind țări care au participat la agresiunea împotriva Iranului, a subliniat purtătorul de cuvânt al ministerului iranian, citat de AFP. Purtătorul de cuvânt al ministerului iranian de externe, Esmail Baghai, a acuzat joi NATO de „complicitate la „războiul de agresiune ilegal declanșat …

hotnews.ro · 9 days ago

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il fatto quotidiano · 9 days ago

NATO Chief Mark Rutte slammed for excessive bootlickin over Daddy Trumps handling of Iran war NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is facing a ferocious storm of social media backlash following a deeply deferential Oval Office sit-down with President Donald Trump.

dailymail · 9 days ago

Iran Calls NATO Complicit In US War, Demands Accountability

gdeltproject.org · 9 days ago

Trump criticizes Spain and other NATO allies for lack of cooperation in Iran war NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte met with the US president in the Oval Office to make the case that Europe is increasing its defense spending

elpais · 9 days ago