#nato
8 entries with this tag
The Trump Administration Convened a Select NATO Working Group in Poland to Discuss the Alliance's Future — and Pointedly Left Out the United Kingdom, France, and the Frontline Baltic States, Three of the Allies Most Committed to Defending Europe and Deterring Russia — Prompting Diplomats to Warn That Washington Is Trying to Split NATO Into "the Good Ones and the Bad Ones"
In early October 2026, the Trump administration organized a Pentagon-led NATO working group — reported as the "Bergen Group" — to meet in Poland and discuss the alliance's future, and it excluded some of NATO's most important members. Invited were Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Left out were the United Kingdom and France — two of Europe's leading military powers and nuclear states — and the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, the frontline states most exposed to Russia and among the alliance's most active defense contributors relative to their size. Allied diplomats were confused and alarmed, questioning Washington's criteria and warning against carving the alliance into tiers. "If they try splitting NATO into the good ones and the bad ones, it is dangerous for the US," one diplomat said. "But for Europe, this is existential." The exclusion of exactly the countries that do the most to deter Russian aggression — and the elevation of a hand-picked subset in their place — fits a documented pattern in Trump's foreign policy of straining the Western alliances that are America's greatest strategic advantage, in ways that serve Moscow's long-standing goal of a divided NATO.
Trump Pulls 5,000 Troops From Germany Because Merz Criticized His Iran War — Threatens "A Lot Further"
Trump ordered 5,000 troops withdrawn from Germany after Chancellor Merz said the U.S. was being "humiliated" by Iran and lacked a strategy. Trump then threatened to go "a lot further" than 5,000. Spain and Italy may be next. He is dismantling NATO's core European deterrent because an ally criticized a war that NATO refused to join.
"Trust Has Been Broken": Former NATO Ambassador Says Trump Has Destroyed the Alliance
Former NATO Ambassador Daalder says Trump has broken the foundational trust of the alliance. Trump threatened to pull from NATO and stop Ukraine weapons sales because allies refused to join his Iran war. France closed its airspace to U.S. warplanes. Spain barred U.S. bombers.
Trump Willing to End Iran War Without Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
WSJ: Trump told aides he'll end the war even if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed — leaving the world's most critical oil chokepoint blocked. He wants allies to clean up the mess. Leavitt confirmed reopening Hormuz is "not a core objective."
Iran Military Mocks Trump with "You're Fired" as 15-Point Peace Plan Rejected
Iran's military spokesperson told Trump "You are fired" and mocked him for "negotiating with yourself." Iran rejected the 15-point peace plan as "maximalist" and issued its own 5 conditions. The 82nd Airborne was ordered to deploy as Trump declared the war "won."
Launched Iran War During Peace Talks; Allies Refused to Help
Despite a "breakthrough" in Iran nuclear talks, Trump and Israel launched airstrikes killing thousands. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. When Trump demanded NATO help, allies refused. Germany: "This is not our war."
Zelensky Oval Office Ambush
A White House meeting with Ukraine's President Zelensky devolved into a televised shouting match. Trump and Vance berated Zelensky, blamed him for the Russian invasion, and suspended intelligence and military aid.
World Leaders Caught Mocking Trump at NATO Summit
At a NATO reception at Buckingham Palace, Trudeau, Macron, Johnson, and Rutte were caught on camera laughing about Trump's behavior. An embarrassed Trump called Trudeau "two-faced" and left the summit early.