John Bolton, former national security adviser to Donald Trump, has issued a caution regarding Trump’s ongoing contemplation of NATO withdrawal. This concern emerged following Trump’s discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, despite the alliance’s recent commitment to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
In recent weeks, Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with fellow NATO countries, who he accuses of not supporting U.S. military actions against Iran. Bolton, during a media interview, acknowledged the possibility of Trump removing the U.S. from NATO, indicating that under Trump’s leadership, there is always a chance of the world’s leading military power pulling out of the alliance. Bolton has previously suggested that this could even entail the withdrawal of American troops from NATO operations in Europe.
NATO, formally known as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, was founded in 1949 with 12 original members, including the U.S., Canada, and several European nations. It has since expanded to 32 members. Trump’s critiques of NATO date back to his first presidential term, where he portrayed other member countries as reliant on American financial support for their defence needs.
However, the process of withdrawing from NATO is complex. A law enacted in 2023 mandates that any such action must receive Congressional approval, where support for NATO remains strong among many lawmakers.
In the lead-up to his meeting with Rutte, Trump accused NATO of being ineffective and referred to it as a “paper tiger” for not participating in the conflict with Iran or allowing the U.S. to use their bases for military operations. After their discussions, Trump reiterated his frustrations on social media, stating, “NATO wasn’t there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if we need them again.”
During the talks, which both leaders described as candid, Trump expressed disappointment that NATO allies had not offered support in the ongoing Iran conflict. In contrast, Rutte mentioned that Trump was pushing hard for NATO member countries to implement immediate action to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil shipments.
In response to the situation, Rutte indicated that 34 nations, including Australia, are working towards forming a coalition to restore access to the strait. This collaboration highlights ongoing efforts to ensure maritime security in the region amid rising tensions.