Trump’s next target after Iran is NATO

Following a closed-door meeting in the White House with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said the president was “clearly disappointed” that nato allies refused to support the war against Iran. Asked by reporters whether Trump said he wants to withdraw from nato, Rutte declined to directly answer. Formal withdrawal would require approval from Congress, but the Trump administration is reportedly exploring another option: withdrawing troops from countries that have been uncooperative and placing them in countries that have been cooperative. Following the meeting with Rutte, President Trump posted on social media: “nato wasn’t there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if we need them again. Remember Greenland, that big, poorly run, piece of ice!!!” This is a reminder that U.S. problems with its European nato allies long predate the Iran conflict—and predate Trump’s first term, in fact. We are witnessing the end of nato.