NATO, Germany
Digest more
NATO summits did not take place every year until Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and might not need to do so in the future.
This is because Mr Trump’s threats to reduce troop numbers in both Europe and Asia stretch back to his first term. On this occasion, one source even questioned whether Mr Trump’s declaration on Truth Social could constitute a genuine policy announcement.
Since the U.S. and Israel first launched joint missile strikes at Iran on Feb. 28, the Trump administration has repeatedly implored NATO members to join the war effort and help secure the Strait of Hormuz. But no ally has committed forces, and while Germany has offered limited logistical support, other nations have made their disapproval clear.
NATO is considering ending its recent practice of holding annual summits, six sources told Reuters, a move that could avoid a potentially tense encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump in his final year in office.
The U.S. stands to lose $240 billion annually in exports if it quits NATO, according to a new economic assessment that challenges the notion that the alliance is a drain on American taxpayers.
The crew of NASA’s Artemis II visited the White House Wednesday to celebrate their successful mission around the moon, but they ended up roped into one of the president’s diatribes against NATO. The astronauts were visibly uncomfortable flanking Donald Trump behind the Resolute Desk as he tossed questions their way regarding the country’s participation in the strategic alliance.
Military operations have impacted sections of a sprawling European fuel pipeline network at a time of supply pressures caused by the Iran war, according to a German service provider for the system.
An internal Pentagon email reportedly suggested various ways the Administration could punish NATO allies it believes let the U.S. down by not actively supporting operations in the Iran war.
America’s president has long held NATO in contempt, but the Iran war has further weakened transatlantic ties. Donald Trump branded his European allies “cowards” for refusing to help open the Strait of Hormuz,