Thursday, April 2, 2026 -President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of NATO, describing the alliance as a “paper tiger” and suggesting the United States could withdraw from it.
In an interview, Trump said NATO was “terrible” and claimed
member states “weren’t there for us” following US military action involving
Iran. He added: “I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper
tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.”
Trump also questioned the value of US participation in the
alliance, saying its membership was “beyond reconsideration,” while reiterating
long-standing frustrations with allied contributions.
His remarks came as Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed
the situation in the Middle East, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to NATO.
Speaking shortly after Trump’s comments, Starmer said: “NATO is the single most
effective military alliance the world has ever seen.
“It has kept us safe for many decades, and we are fully
committed to NATO. And secondly, whatever the pressure on me and others,
whatever the noise, I’m going to act in the British national interest in all
the decisions I make. And that’s why I’ve been absolutely clear that this is
not our war and we’re not going to get dragged into it. But I’m equally clear
when it comes to defence and security and our economic future, we have to have
closer ties with Europe.”
Trump’s position was echoed by US Secretary of State Marco
Rubio, who indicated Washington may reassess its relationship with NATO after
the Middle East conflict.
“I think there’s no doubt, unfortunately, after this
conflict is concluded, we are going to have to reexamine that relationship,”
Rubio said. “We’re going to have to re-examine the value of NATO in that
alliance for our country.”
Rubio also criticised European allies for restricting US
access to military bases, adding: “When we need them to allow us to use their
military bases, their answer is no? Then why are we in NATO?”
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