Lead
President Donald Trump has said he is strongly considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, citing allies' refusal to back US military action against Iran. In an interview with Britain's Daily Telegraph, Trump described the alliance as a "paper tiger" and said removing the US from the defense pact was now "beyond reconsideration," according to multiple reports. He later told Reuters he was "absolutely without question" considering withdrawal, and signaled he would discuss his "disgust" with NATO in an address to the nation.
Coverage Comparison
The story was widely covered across international outlets, with most focusing on Trump's criticism of NATO and the reactions from European leaders. ABC Australia and France 24 highlighted Trump's description of NATO as a "paper tiger" and Starmer's response. The Guardian framed the crisis as NATO's "worst crisis in its 77-year history," quoting former US ambassador Ivo Daalder. The Jerusalem Post and The Hindu also reported Trump's remarks, with The Hindu adding context about the Strait of Hormuz closure. Russian state news agency TASS reported comments from Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, who dismissed Trump's threats as "posturing."
Key Claims
Trump told the Telegraph that he had never been "swayed by NATO" and always knew it was a "paper tiger," adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin knew this too, as reported by multiple outlets including Reuters and France 24. He said the matter of US withdrawal was "beyond reconsideration" and expressed frustration that allies did not automatically join the US-Israeli war against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, according to The Guardian. Trump also criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Royal Navy, saying "You don't even have a navy" and mocking UK energy policies, as quoted by ABC Australia and The Hindu. Starmer responded in a press conference that the UK's long-term interest lies in closer partnership with Europe, while denying a choice between the US and Europe, according to ABC Australia and other sources. A single report from The Hindu mentioned that Congress passed the National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) in 2024, requiring two-thirds Senate approval or an act of Congress for unilateral withdrawal from NATO. This claim was not repeated in other available coverage.
Perspectives
European leaders, particularly from the UK and France, expressed concern and emphasized the importance of the transatlantic alliance. Starmer's remarks signaled a pivot toward European cooperation. Former US ambassador Ivo Daalder argued that the damage to NATO's credibility may already be irreversible, as quoted by The Guardian. Russian officials, however, downplayed the significance of Trump's threats. Medvedev stated that the US will not withdraw from NATO, describing Trump's rhetoric as "posturing," according to TASS.