Trump criticises Nato as alliance chief describes meeting as 'very frank'
The US president says Nato "wasn't there when we needed them" during the Iran war.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"Nato was tested and they failed."
— Karoline Leavitt , Politician
"It is a nuanced picture."
— Mark Rutte , Politician
"NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"Following the September 11 attacks, Nato allies sent their young servicemembers to fight and die alongside America’s own in Afghanistan and Iraq."
— Mitch McConnell , Politician
"NATO has been tested and failed."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"It is very sad that NATO has turned its back on the American people over the past six weeks."
— Caroline Leavitt , Politician
"It’s quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people… when it’s the American people who have been funding their defense."
— Karoline Leavitt , Politician
"The insinuation by anyone in this room that Iran somehow has the moral high ground over the USA is insulting considering the atrocities they have committed against our people and our military over the past 5 decades."
— Karoline Leavitt , Politician
Key People
Caroline Leavitt is a spokesperson for the White House.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Karoline Leavitt is the White House press secretary.
U.S. Secretary of State.
Mark Rutte is the Secretary-General of NATO.
Mitch McConnell is a U.S. Senator from Kentucky and the Senate Minority Leader.
Tags
All Coverage
The US president says Nato "wasn't there when we needed them" during the Iran war.
The White House announced an 'open and honest conversation' between President Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, amid tensions over NATO's support during the Iran conflict.
President Trump criticized NATO allies for not supporting the U.S. during the Iran war and raised the possibility of withdrawing from the alliance, as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed disappointment over NATO's lack of support.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that President Trump was 'clearly disappointed' by the refusal of US allies to join the Iran war, following a 'very frank' meeting in Washington.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Russian glide bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia kills at least 15 people
Children are among the victims, authorities say, and more victims could still be buried in the rubble of a large apartment block that was destroyed.
October 10, 2026 at 11:17 AMGermany sticks to Russia sanctions after Trump announcement on diesel - Reuters
Germany sticks to Russia sanctions after Trump announcement on diesel Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 10:59 AMThe midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country - Reuters
The midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 10:05 AMRussian attack on Ukrainian city kills 12, a day after Trump eases diesel sanctions on Moscow - Reuters
Russian attack on Ukrainian city kills 12, a day after Trump eases diesel sanctions on Moscow Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 06:39 AMGermany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat - Reuters
Germany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 06:04 AM'Stain on the country': Trump criticises Norway over Nobel Peace Prize
The US president told a rally he had "never heard of" the winner, former International Criminal Court judge Navi Pillay.
October 10, 2026 at 04:07 AM