Rutte minimizes the threat of the US leaving NATO and praises European defense reinforcement

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he does not believe that the United States will leave the Atlantic Alliance, a possibility that has been speculated in recent weeks, following US President Donald Trump’s criticism of the military organization. “I don’t see the United States leaving NATO”said Rutte, in an interview with this Sunday, April 19, edition of the newspaper Die Welt.

“President Trump is visibly disappointed with some NATO members. And I understand his frustration”added Rutte. The leader of the military organization also welcomed Europe’s desire to play a greater role in the alliance.

According to NATO’s secretary general, “it is good news” that Europe wants to have “a greater role in NATO”. “It is an evolution from a harmful dependency to a transatlantic alliance based on genuine partnership”said the official, who highlighted Germany’s “exemplary” role and defended “smart” defense spending.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the German government set the goal of making Germany the strongest conventional military power in Europe. This implies a considerable increase in defense spending, projected to reach 3.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2029.

Rutte also defended increased civil society participation in Defense spending, arguing that these investments should not be seen as something “reprehensible”. “Our defense industry plays a central role in ensuring our continued security”he stressed.

Rutte’s stance comes after Donald Trump reiterated the possibility of the US leaving NATO, “seriously considering” withdrawing from the alliance, which he dubbed the “paper tiger”. The declaration took place at the beginning of the month,

Furthermore, in statements to Die Welt, Rutte highlighted the role of China, North Korea and Iran in the war in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and denounced Tehran as an “exporter of chaos” for decades. “Together with China and North Korea, Iran played a decisive role in supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. For decades, Iran has been an exporter of chaos, not just in its own region, but around the world,” he emphasized.