On April 9 (local time), Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Nobody understands anything unless pressure is applied — including our very disappointing NATO!”
The comment suggested he was pressing NATO to take actions that would benefit the United States. Trump met privately with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House the previous day.
The remark also reflected Trump’s belief that he can compel others to do what he wants.
He has repeatedly complained that NATO did not support the U.S. in a war with Iran. Reports say the Trump administration is considering withdrawing U.S. forces stationed in NATO countries it deems unhelpful, redeploying those troops to member states that cooperated, and closing a U.S. base in Europe.
