NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated he does not believe the United States will leave the Atlantic Alliance, despite recent speculation following criticism from US President Donald Trump. Rutte expressed understanding for Trump's frustration with certain members but welcomed Europe's desire to take a larger role, describing it as a shift toward a genuine transatlantic partnership. He highlighted Germany's goal to become Europe's strongest conventional military power under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with defence spending projected to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2029. Additionally, Rutte condemned the roles of China, North Korea, and Iran in supporting Russia's war against Ukraine, labelling Iran an 'exporter of chaos'.
Rutte downplays threat of US withdrawal from NATO and praises European defence reinforcement
Sunday, 19 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Organização do Tratado do Atlântico Norte or OTAN) is a 32-member alliance facing pressure to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz to secure maritime routes. Disagreement among members regarding this military involvement has led to warnings about the organization's future stability. Portugal has been a member since NATO's founding in 1949 and hosts a major Joint Force Command in Oeiras.
