Trump again casts doubt on his commitment to NATO

President Donald Trump on Thursday once again cast doubt on the United States' commitment to NATO, stating that countries failing to meet defense spending targets may not be defended in the event of an attack.

“If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, reinforcing his longstanding criticism that too many NATO members rely on U.S. military strength without contributing their fair share.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has pushed for NATO allies to increase their defense budgets, advocating for a hike from the current 2% of GDP target to 5%. Only 23 of NATO’s 32 members were expected to meet the existing 2% benchmark last year.

Trump’s remarks followed an NBC News report suggesting that his administration is considering a plan to scale U.S. military support based on each country’s defense spending—potentially undermining NATO’s foundational Article 5, which commits all members to collective defense.

The president also questioned whether European allies would truly stand by the U.S. if the situation were reversed.

"If the United States was in trouble and we called them—'We got a problem, France. We got a problem'—do you think they’re gonna come protect us? Hmm. They’re supposed to. I’m not so sure," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron swiftly rejected Trump’s skepticism, reaffirming France’s dedication to NATO and transatlantic security.

“France is a loyal and steadfast ally,” Macron stated after an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels. “We have always stood by the U.S., and we expect the same respect and commitment in return.”

The renewed debate over NATO’s future underscores the tension between Trump’s transactional approach to alliances and the longstanding principle of collective defense that has defined the Western military alliance since World War II.

This article was reported by journalist Jimmy.