Trump says US has ‘never gotten anything’ from helping NATO; claims ‘not sure’ if alliance will stand by America
“We’re going to be 100% for NATO, but I’m not sure they’re going to be there for us,” Trump said, framing the transatlantic alliance as one where the United States gives much more than it takes.
Trump argued that American taxpayers were effectively subsidizing European security, saying Washington had gained little from its decades of support for NATO. “We got nothing from helping NATO. We were paying their bills, for what?” he asked.
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Describing US security guarantees as conditional, Trump told his allies they faced a clear choice. “We would be very grateful if you say yes. If you say no, we will remember,” he said, without specifying what kind of actions he expected from NATO members.
Despite the sharp language, Trump insisted his approach did not pose a threat to the alliance. “This will not be a threat to NATO. It will increase the security of the alliance,” he said, arguing that more burden sharing would make NATO stronger rather than weaker.
Trump repeated his long-standing criticism that the United States contributes disproportionately to NATO and receives little in return. “We give a lot to NATO and receive very little,” he said, adding: “The United States has received nothing from NATO.”
The remarks come at a time of growing unease among European allies who have expressed concern about the future of US security guarantees under Trump’s second term, especially as Washington pressures NATO members to increase defense spending and take more responsibility for their own security.
Also read: Trump says Europe ‘not heading in the right direction’ while speaking at Davos summit amid tensions over GreenlandTrump did not outline any immediate changes to U.S. commitments or troop deployments, but his comments reinforced his transactional view of alliances and his insistence that partners fulfill financial and strategic obligations he deems fair.
The NATO comments followed Trump’s broader criticism of Europe during his Davos speech, arguing that the continent was not “heading in the right direction” economically and politically, and underscored growing tensions in transatlantic relations.
