Trump specifically named Great Britain, Germany and Italy.Image: keystone
June 23, 2026, 12:44 amJune 23, 2026, 12:44 am
Shortly before NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Washington, US President Donald Trump again accused several European allies of a lack of support. The USA has spent enormous sums of money protecting Europe over the years, Trump said in the White House. When Washington itself asked for help against Iran, important partners were not there for the United States.
Trump named Great Britain, Germany and Italy. “We asked them to come and they weren’t there for us,” he said. He didn’t get any more specific than that. US government officials had previously accused NATO allies on several occasions of not providing sufficient support to the US in the war against Iran.
Trump now also indirectly questioned American security commitments for Europe. The US is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to protect European countries from Russia, he said. If allies did not want to help the United States in relatively small matters, Washington could also say no in the future.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected in Washington from Tuesday to Thursday. Among other things, a meeting with Trump in the White House is planned. Discussions with other high-ranking government representatives are also planned. (sda/dpa)