The White House announced that Donald Trump will discuss the possibility of the US leaving NATO with Mark Rutte.
President Donald Trump plans to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss the United States' possible withdrawal from the alliance.
“I think the president will discuss this with Secretary-General Rutte in a couple of hours,” White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said in Washington on Wednesday, April 8. She said Trump wants to have a “very open and honest conversation” with Rutte.
Leavitt echoed Trump's accusation that its allies abandoned the United States in the war with Iran. NATO “has turned its back on the United States over the last six weeks,” she said. She described NATO as having “failed” this test. Trump has repeatedly expressed his displeasure with European allies' unwillingness to help the United States reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced their intention to review US membership in NATO after the war with Iran. Rutte subsequently expressed understanding for both sides' positions. He is considered a mediator between Trump and the rest of the North Atlantic Alliance.
According to a NATO spokesperson, Rutte and Trump also intend to discuss “the current security situation,” “including in the context of Iran and Russia's ongoing aggressive war against Ukraine.” Another topic on the agenda will reportedly include deepening transatlantic cooperation in the defense industry.
Victor Elizarov
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Manages the editorial team and sets investigative priorities. Specializes in government corruption and corporate schemes. Over 20 years in journalism.
