Trump Expresses Uncertainty on NATO Commitments
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — President Donald Trump raised questions on Tuesday regarding the U.S. commitment to the mutual defense provisions of the NATO treaty as he arrived for the summit. His statements potentially reignited long-held concerns among European allies about his dedication to the military alliance.
While en route to The Hague, where the summit is taking place, Trump told reporters, “It depends on your definition,” referencing the various interpretations of Article 5. He asserted, “But I’m committed to being their friends.” Later, on Air Force One, when pressed for clarification, Trump reiterated his commitment to preserving lives and safety, but refrained from providing further details.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, addressing reporters afterwards, expressed confidence in the U.S. commitment to NATO and its Article 5 guarantee, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all. Trump’s comments, arriving shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, indicated that his presence at the summit could be another turbulent episode for a leader who has frequently criticized the alliance.
These remarks come amid turmoil in the Middle East, as Trump announced plans to target three nuclear facilities in Iran, alongside his surprising claims that Israel and Iran had reached a “complete and total ceasefire.” The rapid shift in hostilities has influenced the summit, with Rutte dodging probing questions as protests against the conflict erupted in The Hague, initially centered on defense spending.
Other NATO nations have come to expect unpredictability from Trump, who has openly expressed disdain for the alliance created to counter Soviet threats. His earlier NATO appearances included notable moments such as pushing Montenegrin Prime Minister Dusko Markovic aside in 2017 and questioning the alliance’s value in 2018, demanding increased defense contributions from member states.
This week, Trump is expected to advocate for heightened military spending, urging NATO countries to invest more substantially in their defense. A private message from Rutte, shared by Trump, acknowledged his role in motivating NATO to reach an “important moment,” praising the significant financial commitments from European nations.
While Trump previously hinted that the U.S. should not adhere to the proposed 5% defense spending target, he appeared to soften his stance during this visit. This target comprises a traditional military spending segment and additional allocations for infrastructure supporting military operations. European allies remain uneasy, fearing a possible withdrawal of U.S. engagement in NATO, especially about troop deployments in Europe.
