Trump Warns NATO: "The U.S. Won’t Defend You"

Criticism of NATO member states.
Proposed changes in U.S. commitments.
Debate over NATO’s collective defense policy.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to NATO members from the White House on Thursday.

Trump stressed that if allied countries do not increase their defense investments, the United States will not uphold its commitment to their protection.

According to NBC reports, Trump is considering major adjustments to U.S. participation in the North Atlantic Alliance, favoring states that meet their financial obligations.

While he did not specify what changes he might implement, Trump reiterated that nations failing to invest adequately in their security should not expect U.S. military support.

Trump Warns NATO from the White House

Reporter: «Will you implement a policy where the U.S. does not defend NATO countries that don’t pay?»
Trump: «I think it’s just common sense: if they don’t pay, I won’t defend them.»

pic.twitter.com/cvynzxDHKB

— Wall Street Wolverine (@wallstwolverine) March 6, 2025

This stance calls into question the principle of collective defense enshrined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which obligates NATO members to respond collectively to an attack on any of them.

During both his first presidency and his current campaign, Trump has openly criticized this principle. Article 5 has only been invoked once in NATO’s history—by the United States following the September 11, 2001, attacks.

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At that time, international solidarity was reflected in a joint military response against terrorism.

NATO has set a goal for each member country to allocate at least 2% of its GDP to defense spending. However, eight of the alliance’s 32 countries have yet to meet this target.

Trump reminded that his previous pressure on NATO members led to significant increases in defense spending, which he considers a success of his foreign policy.

Divisive Reactions to Trump’s NATO Stance
Trump’s comments have sparked intense debate both inside and outside the U.S., according to EFE.

While some argue that his demands ensure NATO allies take greater responsibility for their own defense, others fear that his policies could weaken NATO’s cohesion and effectiveness as a strong and unified defense alliance.

The international community remains closely watching the next moves of the U.S. administration regarding NATO—and how these decisions could impact global geopolitical dynamics in the coming years.