US not leaving NATO, says Rutte

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte has dismissed concerns over a possible US withdrawal from the alliance, stressing that Washington remains committed despite recent political tensions.

In an interview published Saturday by German outlet Die Welt am Sonntag, Rutte said, “I do not foresee any scenario in which the United States would withdraw from NATO, even as debates over burden-sharing within the alliance continue.”

However, he emphasised that Europe must step up its own defense capabilities to strengthen the alliance. “A stronger Europe makes for a stronger NATO,” he indicated.

Speculation over NATO’s future has grown following recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who criticised European allies for what he described as reluctance to support military action against Iran.

Trump also reportedly labeled NATO a “paper tiger” and suggested he was considering pulling the US out of the alliance.

Responding to those comments, Rutte acknowledged that Trump’s frustration with some NATO members is understandable, particularly regarding defense spending and commitments.

Still, he reiterated that the US remains the cornerstone of European security.

He underscored that the American nuclear umbrella continues to serve as the ultimate security guarantee for Europe, reinforcing NATO’s strategic stability despite political rhetoric.