Transatlantic Security — 2026-04-02
Trump Threatens NATO Withdrawal, Calls Alliance a Paper Tiger
President Trump said he is 'absolutely' considering withdrawing the US from NATO, calling the alliance a 'paper tiger' that failed to support Washington during the Iran conflict. In interviews with The Telegraph and Reuters, Trump stated NATO members 'haven't been friends when we needed them' and described the relationship as 'a one-way street.' A
Analysis
Trump's shift from 'considering' to 'absolutely' represents the most explicit US threat to NATO's existence since its founding. The 'paper tiger' framing is designed to undercut congressional defenders by redefining the alliance as a liability rather than a deterrent.
Trump's shift from 'considering' to 'absolutely' represents the most explicit US threat to NATO's existence since its founding. The 'paper tiger' framing is designed to undercut congressional defenders by redefining the alliance as a liability rather than a deterrent.
2 sources
- Trump NATO Exit Threat Complicated by Rubio Past Legislation -
Bloomberg - Trump threatens to walk away from NATO -
Military Times