In a significant development raising fresh questions about transatlantic unity, US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed doubts about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) coming to Washington's aid in a crisis. The remarks, made on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, come alongside renewed discussions about a potential US bid for Greenland and sharp criticism of the Nobel committee.
NATO Spending and Mutual Defence in Question
President Trump's post centred on the long-standing issue of defence spending among NATO's 31 member states. He claimed that before his presidency, most allies were not meeting their financial commitments, with defence budgets at around 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Trump asserted that due to his pressure, nations are now moving towards allocating 5% of their GDP for defence.
"We will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us," Trump stated, casting doubt on the alliance's reciprocal commitment. He emphasised, "Remember, for all of those big NATO fans, they were at 2% GDP, and most weren’t paying their bills, UNTIL I CAME ALONG." According to the official NATO website, all members have agreed to spend 5% of GDP on core defence and security needs by the year 2035.
Greenland Ambitions and Diplomatic Moves
This rhetoric emerges against a backdrop of heightened concern in European capitals regarding US intentions towards Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Leaders from several European nations, Canada, and Denmark convened in Paris on Tuesday to discuss the matter, with most reaffirming support for Denmark's sovereignty over the island.
The White House has not dismissed the possibility of military action to secure Greenland, a stance that has alarmed allies. In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to meet with Danish leadership in the coming week. When questioned by Reuters about risking the NATO alliance over a military option, Rubio stated that while diplomatic solutions are preferred, every US president retains the right to address national security threats through military means.
Nobel Snub and Geopolitical Claims
In his wide-ranging post, President Trump also returned to a familiar grievance: being overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize. The 2024 award was given to Venezuelan opposition leader Marina Corina Machado. Trump argued that his actions prevented a larger conflict in Ukraine, claiming, "Without my involvement, Russia would have ALL OF UKRAINE right now."
He further contended that he "single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS" and criticised Norway, a NATO member, for the Nobel committee's decision. It is important to note that the Nobel selection committee is an independent body and its choices are not influenced by the Norwegian government.
Concluding with a boast about US military might, Trump asserted that Russia and China only fear a US rebuilt under his leadership. "The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A.," he claimed, suggesting the alliance's strength is dependent on American power.
These statements collectively underscore a period of significant strain and uncertainty within the Western alliance, driven by US leadership's public scepticism, territorial ambitions, and personal grievances with international institutions.
