President Donald Trump has undergone a notable shift in his stance toward NATO, moving from criticizing the alliance as a ‘rip-off’ to endorsing it after allies agreed to double their defense spending targets. This change marks a significant turnaround from his previous rhetoric, which included threats to withdraw from the alliance and skepticism about its relevance.
Trump’s renewed support for NATO was evident at the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, where he praised European allies for their patriotism and downplayed previous criticisms. The president’s change in tone followed years of friction with NATO leaders, including clashes with world leaders and controversial comments about the alliance’s relevance. The summit marked a stark contrast to his earlier rhetoric, which had positioned him as a potential threat to the alliance’s integrity.
Trump’s endorsement of NATO was reinforced by his recent military actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which were seen as a strategic move to reinforce Western deterrence against adversaries like Russia and China. This operation not only showcased the U.S. military’s capabilities but also highlighted the importance of NATO in maintaining regional stability and security.
Despite his past criticism of NATO, Trump’s latest stance appears to be driven by a combination of strategic considerations and his desire to assert leadership on the global stage. The shift in his approach has been welcomed by some NATO officials, who credit Trump’s blunt diplomacy for driving real reform and modernizing the alliance’s capabilities.
Experts note that Trump’s influence on NATO is part of a broader trend, with every U.S. president since Eisenhower expressing concerns about allies not fulfilling their financial commitments. However, Trump’s approach was uniquely effective in pushing for greater spending and accountability from NATO members. His recent victories at the NATO summit and in the Middle East suggest that he is leveraging his presidency to reshape the alliance’s role in global security.