During his meeting with Mark Rutte on Wednesday, Donald Trump sent a clear message regarding NATO and the future of the North Atlantic Alliance. In a post on Truth Social, the American president wrote: "NATO wasn't there when we needed it and won't be there when we need it again. Remember Greenland, that huge piece of poorly managed ice!!!"
Rutte, for his part, told CNN that the meeting was "candid" and acknowledged Trump's disappointment with some European countries that have not met their commitments.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the White House has proposed a plan to reposition American troops within NATO with the aim of "punishing" countries that did not sufficiently support the U.S. and Israel during operations against Iran, and rewarding more supportive nations.
The plan, still in its early stages, involves moving troops from allied states considered "uncooperative" to countries that showed greater support for the American military campaign. It could also include closing bases in countries like Spain or Germany.
Several European countries have caused dissatisfaction for Trump since his return to power. Spain has not increased defense spending and denied the use of its airspace for the operation against Iran. Germany criticizes the war, Italy temporarily blocked a base in Sicily, while France allowed the use of its southern base only for aircraft not involved in attacks.
On the other hand, more supportive countries like Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece could benefit from an increased American presence, boosting their influence in the region and strengthening ties with the U.S.
According to the WSJ, Eastern European states were among the first to show willingness to allow the use of their bases by American forces, particularly for operations in the Strait of Hormuz.