John Bolton made his remarks following President Trump’s much-anticipated discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House.
In recent weeks, President Trump has repeatedly criticized nations within the Western alliance for not backing U.S. military efforts against Iran.
Bolton, who served as national security adviser during Trump’s initial term, was questioned on the Today show about the possibility of the U.S. withdrawing from NATO under Trump’s leadership.
He responded that “it’s possible,” noting there is “always a risk” that the U.S., the world’s most formidable military power, could exit the alliance while Trump is at the helm.
Previously, Bolton has suggested that Trump might consider pulling U.S. troops from NATO missions in Europe.
NATO, officially the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was founded in 1949 with 12 founding members, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, France, and Denmark, and has since grown to encompass 32 member nations.
NATO, formally known as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, was established in 1949 with 12 core member countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, France and Denmark, and has since expanded to 32 members.
Trump has repeatedly raised concerns with NATO since his first term as president, criticising other alliance countries as free loaders too reliant on the massive American defence budget.
But pulling the US from NATO is not so simple for any American president.
Under a law passed in 2023 such a move would require approval from Congress, where many members are diehard supporters of the defence pact.
‘Very frank’ meeting
In the weeks leading up to yesterday’s meeting, Trump described NATO as a “paper tiger” for its unwillingness to join the Iran war, or permit US forces the use of their bases.
He continued his criticism after holding behind-closed-door discussions with Rutte yesterday.
“NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Two European diplomats familiar with their discussion told CNN, the US president pushed for urgent concrete measures from NATO members to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
One fifth of the world’s oil shipments go through the waterway.
Rutte, speaking after his White House visit, said Trump was “clearly disappointed” that the US’ allies had not joined the Iran conflict.
He described their talks as a “very frank, very open” discussion between “two good friends”.
But the NATO chief also said 34 nations, including Australia, were now building an international coalition to reopen the strait.
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