US President Donald Trump continued his criticisms of NATO following a closed-door meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Trump emphasized in a message shared on social media that NATO did not provide enough support to the US during tensions with Iran. Trump stated, "NATO was not there when we needed it, and it will not be if we need it again."
Trump also expressed his discomfort regarding Greenland, the semi-autonomous region of NATO member Denmark, describing Greenland as "a large, poorly managed ice chunk." These remarks recalled Trump's previous discussions about the US's attempts to purchase Greenland.
In 2023, the US Congress passed a law preventing the US president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump would discuss the issue of withdrawing from NATO with Rutte. The talks also covered the temporary ceasefire reached with Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war, and coordination with NATO allies.