NATO Faces Fresh Crisis as Trump Lashes Out at Allies

Trump's anger over Iran thrusts NATO into an unprecedented state of uncertainty.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:30pm

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The NATO alliance is facing one of its biggest crises since the Cold War, as President Donald Trump's recent comments have provoked unprecedented concern that the U.S. will not come to the aid of European allies if they are attacked, whether or not Washington formally withdraws from the alliance.

Why it matters

NATO has long served as the basic fabric of European security, and the mutual defense agreement at its core is no longer taken for granted. Trump's frustration with what he sees as NATO's unwillingness to help the U.S. in times of need is raising doubts about the future of the 70-year-old alliance.

The details

Trump, enraged that European countries have declined to send their navies to open up the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping following the start of the Iran air war on Feb. 24, has declared he is considering withdrawing from the alliance. His recent comments have provoked unprecedented concern that the U.S. will not come to the aid of European allies should they be attacked, whether or not Washington formally walks away.

  • On Feb. 24, the Iran air war began.
  • In a Wednesday interview, Trump asked 'Wouldn't you if you were me?'
  • On Wednesday night, Trump criticized U.S. allies but stopped short of condemning NATO.

The players

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance of 30 North American and European countries.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has questioned NATO's core mission and threatened to withdraw from the alliance.

Mark Rutte

The NATO Secretary General, who is set to visit Washington next week in an effort to change Trump's view on the alliance.

Max Bergmann

A former State Department official who now leads the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Francois Lecointre

A French general who served as the armed forces chief from 2017 to 2021.

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What they’re saying

“Wouldn't you if you were me?”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“This is the worst place [NATO] has been since it was founded.”

— Max Bergmann, Former State Department Official

“NATO remains necessary, but we must be capable of thinking of NATO without the Americans.”

— General Francois Lecointre, Former French Armed Forces Chief

“Whether it should even continue to be called NATO — North Atlantic Treaty Organization — is a valid question.”

— Francois Lecointre, Former French Armed Forces Chief

“It's really hard to think of anything that even comes close.”

— Max Bergmann, Former State Department Official

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.