Rutte: I don’t see the US leaving NATO, their nuclear umbrella guaranteeing security in Europe – it will continue like this
Express newspaper
18/04/2026 20:58
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has dismissed speculation that the US is ending its membership in the NATO alliance.
“I don’t see the US leaving NATO,” Rutte said in an interview with the Sunday edition of the German newspaper Die Welt.
The NATO chief also said he does not question US nuclear protection of Europe.
“The American nuclear umbrella is the ultimate guarantor of security here in Europe. And I am convinced that it will remain so,” Rutte said.
What has Trump said about leaving NATO?
US President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of NATO has raised fears that Washington could withdraw from the 32-member transatlantic alliance.
Asked if he would review the US membership after the war with Iran, Trump told the British newspaper The Telegraph:
“Yes, I would say it’s beyond review. I was never influenced by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin knows that too.”
A US president needs the approval of two-thirds of the Senate to withdraw the US from NATO — a scenario considered highly unlikely.
Rutte says he understands Trump’s frustration with NATO
“President Trump is clearly disappointed with some NATO members,” Rutte told the newspaper Die Welt, adding: “I understand his frustration.”
These statements echoed what Rutte had said after meeting with Trump at the White House last week, following the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.
“He is clearly disappointed with many NATO allies, and I can understand his point,” Rutte told US broadcaster CNN.
“This was a very direct, very open discussion, but also a discussion between two good friends,” added Rutte, who has been called “Trump’s whisperer.”
In a post on Truth Social after the meeting, Trump wrote in capital letters that “NATO wasn’t there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if we need them again.”
Rutte calls for strengthening the defense industry in Europe
Rutte told the newspaper Die Welt that during his meeting with Trump on April 8, he had also discussed the benefits Washington receives from the alliance.
“Europe wants to take a bigger role in NATO. This is good news. It is a development from an unhealthy dependency towards a transatlantic alliance based on true partnership,” Rutte said.
The NATO chief noted that Europeans and Canadians are already significantly increasing their efforts. “Germany is setting an example for many allies in this regard.”
Rutte added that he is convinced that the transatlantic alliance will be strengthened if this trend continues. “And a stronger NATO means a safer world for all of us.”