Trump meets NATO leader Rutte as he ponders quitting the alliance
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will meet with President Donald Trump to address Trump's frustration with NATO over its response to the Iran conflict, particularly regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump had threatened to consider withdrawing the U.S. from NATO after member countries did not assist in reopening the vital shipping route, though a recent two-week ceasefire with Iran includes plans to reopen the strait.
- The White House confirmed Trump has discussed leaving NATO and plans to raise the topic with Rutte, despite a 2023 law requiring congressional approval for any U.S. withdrawal from the alliance.
- Senator Mitch McConnell urged Trump to maintain strong alliances, highlighting NATO's past support for the U.S. after 9/11, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Rutte to discuss Iran, Ukraine, and NATO coordination.
- Trump’s criticism of NATO intensified after the Iran conflict began, with allies like Spain and France restricting U.S. military use of their facilities, and the U.K. working on post-conflict security plans for the Strait of Hormuz.
