Donald Trump is considering leaving NATO

“I was never convinced about NATO. I always knew it was a paper tiger. Besides, Putin knows that too,” Trump said during the interview. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that Washington might reconsider its relationship with NATO after the war with Iran ends. The American side has accused European countries of failing to provide assistance in the Middle East conflict—some nations refused to allow the use of US bases on their territory and closed their airspace to American and Israeli forces.

Donald Trump’s statement is the strongest indication yet that the United States no longer view Europe as a reliable defence partner. As The Atlantic points out, the deadlock around the Strait of Hormuz has created new tensions between Trump and NATO. Even if it does not lead to the Alliance’s dissolution, it could result in its significant weakening.

In the near future, a concrete response from the US side can be expected regarding Europe’s refusal to assist in the war with Iran. While it is impossible to predict whether the United States might actually withdraw from the Alliance—an unprecedented move that would mark the first time a member state has left NATO—it is likely that Washington will reduce its military presence in Europe.

It is also true that no one in Europe is eager to become militarily involved in the conflict with Iran. European leaders are frustrated by the fact that Donald Trump did not consult them before launching attacks alongside Israel. The parties have not forgotten the United States’ aggressive trade policies or its attempts to gain control over Greenland. The flashpoint in the deteriorating transatlantic relationship remains Donald Trump’s unpredictable policy.