NATO Chief Dismisses Risks of US Exit Despite Trump’s Attack on Alliance

Mark Rutte expressed confidence in the American security umbrella while acknowledging Donald Trump’s frustration over NATO’s refusal to join the military campaign against Iran. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attends a joint press conference with the Czech Republic's Prime Minister after talks in Prague, on April 16, 2026. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that a US withdrawal from the North Atlantic Alliance is unlikely, despite escalating criticism from US President Donald Trump . In an interview with Welt am Sonntag , Rutte emphasized that the American nuclear umbrella remains the primary guarantee of security for Europe . While acknowledging Trump’s “disappointment” with certain allies who refused to join the conflict against Iran, the Secretary General argued that the bond remains firm. “I do not see a likelihood of the US leaving NATO ,” Rutte said, while calling for a “stronger Europe within a stronger NATO.” Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The Secretary General’s comments follow a fresh attack by Trump during a Turning Point Action event in Arizona. Addressing a crowd that booed the alliance, Trump declared NATO “absolutely useless” for its refusal to secure the Strait of Hormuz or provide airspace for operations. The President compared the alliance to a late campaign donor, stating that support offered after a victory “doesn’t count.” Trump also downplayed the conflict with Tehran, labeling it a mere “military excursion.” The tension has reached a turning point for the alliance. While a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has been in place since April 8, it has not mended the rift. The White House maintains that NATO “turned its back on the American people,” reviving concerns about a potential redeployment of US troops from “less supportive” member states to more cooperative ones. Other Topics of Interest EXPLAINED: More and Better Western Assistance to Ukraine Announced This Week Europe just promised over $16 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, but critical parts of it, like missiles to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles, will be in short supply for years. To bolster European resilience, Rutte urged member states to strengthen their defense industries and encouraged financial institutions to invest in military production. He noted that a robust industrial base is crucial for maintaining deterrence and ensuring that Europe can continue to live in safety, regardless of the political rhetoric in Washington. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.