Trump criticizes NATO allies over 'disappointing' Iran war support

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday singled out several major NATO allies for failing to provide adequate support during the ongoing war with Iran, accusing Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and France of treating Washington unfairly while demanding "loyalty" from the military bloc. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, Trump said he had been "disappointed" by the response of key members during the conflict that has entered its third month.

"I was disappointed with Italy. I was disappointed with the UK," he said. "We were disappointed with Germany and France. We're disappointed with most of them." Trump reserved his sharpest criticism for Spain, accusing Madrid of freeloading on collective defense efforts. "Spain is a horror show. Spain is terrible," he said. "They don't want to pay anything. They think they're in for a free ride."

Demands for alliance 'loyalty'

Despite his harsh words for multiple alliance members, Trump praised Rutte personally and indicated the two leaders would review recent developments involving NATO and the broader security situation. "I have great respect for this man," he said, referring to the NATO secretary general. "We're going to be discussing what took place, and we'll see what happened."

Trump emphasized that Washington seeks allegiance rather than additional financial contributions from its partners, citing the massive US military presence across Europe. "We don't need their money. We don't need anything...I just want loyalty, you know. We're so loyal to them, we're always fighting for them. We have thousands of troops all over Europe. In Germany, we have 50,000 troops, and then you want a little, give us a little nudge, give us a little kiss. We don't want much, and they say 'no, we can't do it,'" he said, referring to European reluctance to back US efforts in the Gulf.

Rutte cites spending increases

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Rutte rejected characterizations that Trump lacks commitment to the transatlantic alliance, insisting the US leader remains focused on burden-sharing. "He is completely committed to the NATO alliance," he said. "He was always clear: 'I'm committed to the NATO alliance, but I expect allies to spend more to equalize with the United States.'"

Rutte credited Trump with securing a 5% defense spending commitment at The Hague summit and highlighted a $139 billion increase in European and Canadian military expenditures over the past year. "The Europeans and Canada are now on a trajectory to equalize their spending with the United States," Rutte said, pointing to the nearly 20% spending hike by European allies and Canada as evidence of Trump's effective leadership on the issue.