In an interview for the informational channel Newsmax on YouTube, Whitaker expressed open dissatisfaction with Europe's response to current global events. "It is time to decide whose side you want to be on. Are you on the side of the United States? Are you a key ally of the U.S.? Or are you moving in a different direction?" asked the American ambassador. According to him, Washington demands "clear moral signals" from its allies. Whitaker emphasized that in these moments, mere words are not enough; concrete capabilities and actions on the ground are required. These statements come amid threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw the U.S. from NATO, as European members of the Alliance refuse to support American military actions against Iran. "Now is not the time for mere statements, no matter how sharp they may be. It is time for real action. It is time for frigates in the Strait of Hormuz. As you know, Europeans have issued many statements over the past month. Some of them contradict American interests, while others only partially support them," the ambassador highlighted. Besides Iran, Whitaker warned that the American president is currently reevaluating the entire relationship with allies, which includes not only remaining in NATO but also American support for European efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. "It is now quite clear that President Trump is analyzing and reevaluating everything. Whether it is our participation in NATO, support for European efforts in Ukraine, or anything else," he added. The ambassador reminded that American citizens elected Trump precisely to adhere to his core policy in all situations—"America First." "As the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he has the right to make many decisions. We will act in accordance with his intentions when he makes a decision. For now, all options remain on the table," concluded Whitaker. This sharp rhetoric aligns with Trump's recent statements to the British newspaper The Telegraph. The American president confirmed that he is seriously considering the possibility of leaving NATO if Europe does not join the American-Israeli war against Iran, calling the Alliance itself a "paper tiger." That the situation in Washington is more than serious was also confirmed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who announced that the U.S. will reevaluate the very need for NATO membership after the conflict in Iran ends.