NATO Chief to Visit Trump After President Threatens to Exit Alliance

Trump escalates criticism of NATO, says he is 'absolutely' considering withdrawing U.S. from the alliance.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:48am

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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is set to meet with President Donald Trump next week, following the president's recent threats to withdraw the U.S. from the Western military alliance. Trump has escalated his criticism of NATO in recent weeks, accusing the alliance of failing to effectively target Iran alongside the U.S. and secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Why it matters

Trump's latest statements on NATO mark a new low for the alliance, sparking criticism from Congress. The president's position raises concerns about the future of the 70-year-old NATO alliance, which has been a cornerstone of American national security.

The details

Trump told the Telegraph that he believes NATO is a 'paper tiger' and said he is 'absolutely' considering withdrawing the U.S. from the alliance. In a rare prime-time address, the president urged NATO allies to take the lead in securing the Strait of Hormuz, saying the U.S. has 'plenty' of oil and that other countries should 'just take it' and 'protect it' if they need fuel.

  • Trump made his latest critical remarks about NATO on Wednesday.

The players

Mark Rutte

The NATO Secretary-General who is set to visit Trump next week.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has escalated criticism of NATO in recent weeks.

Sen. Mark Warner

A Democratic senator from Virginia who criticized Trump's threat to pull the U.S. out of NATO, calling it 'reckless' and 'dangerous'.

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What they’re saying

“'For more than seventy years, NATO has been the cornerstone of American national security — deterring war in Europe, projecting strength around the world, and ensuring that the United States never stands alone in moments of crisis. It is not a 'paper tiger' — it is the most successful military alliance in modern history, and Donald Trump's threat to pull the United States out of NATO is reckless, dangerous, and plays directly into the hands of our adversaries.'”

— Sen. Mark Warner, U.S. Senator

“'Oh yes, I would say [it's] beyond reconsideration.'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The meeting between NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and President Trump is scheduled for next week, where they are expected to discuss the future of the alliance.

The takeaway

Trump's latest threats to withdraw the U.S. from NATO raise serious concerns about the stability and future of the 70-year-old military alliance, which has been a cornerstone of American national security. The upcoming meeting between Rutte and Trump will be closely watched as both sides navigate this delicate situation.