Lead

US President Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether Washington's NATO allies would come to its aid in the event of a major global conflict, referencing their perceived lack of support during the recent military operation against Iran. In an interview with radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt, Trump said, "When we needed NATO, they were not there for us. <…> But if we ever have the big one (a conflict - TASS) or a bigger one, I don't believe they'd be there for us."

The comments, reported by TASS, echo earlier remarks in which Trump criticized European NATO members for not assisting the US at the start of the military operation against Iran. He stated that their absence "cannot be forgotten" and suggested the situation could repeat itself in a larger conflict.

Coverage Comparison

TASS's reporting on Trump's statements highlights his skepticism toward NATO's reliability. The first TASS article focuses on Trump's disappointment with European allies, quoting him directly and noting that the White House has "made appropriate conclusions" based on the allies' reaction. A second TASS article, datelined Washington, adds context from earlier interviews, including Trump's characterization of NATO as a "paper tiger" and his hints at possibly withdrawing from the alliance.

In a separate development, TASS reported on French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks during a debate in Athens, where he expressed doubts about the US as a reliable partner. Macron said, "It's clear to everyone that the world's number one power, the United States, can be an ally for some countries, but this ally is not as reliable as it used to be." He also noted that "no one can view the United States as an ally that can be fully relied on."

While both leaders are questioning the reliability of their transatlantic partners, their perspectives differ: Trump is concerned about NATO's support for the US, while Macron is worried about the US's commitment to Europe's defense.

Key Claims

  • Trump stated that NATO allies were "not there" when the US needed them during the operation in Iran, and he doubts they would help in a larger conflict.
  • Trump referred to NATO as a "paper tiger" in an interview with The Daily Telegraph and hinted at the possibility of US withdrawal from the alliance.
  • Macron said during a debate in Athens that the US is "not as reliable" an ally as it used to be, and that no one can fully rely on it.
  • Earlier, Macron told students in Nicosia that the US will stop defending Europe in the long-term perspective.
  • The US and Israel launched a large-scale operation against Iran on February 28. Trump announced a two-week mutual ceasefire with Tehran on April 7.
  • Iran and the US held talks in Islamabad on April 11 but failed to reach a long-term settlement due to contradictions.
  • After the ceasefire was set to expire on April 21, Trump announced an extension on Truth Social, but Iranian state broadcaster reported that Tehran does not intend to comply with the unilaterally announced extension.