Trump Praised Rutte and Criticized NATO Allies
Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, U.S. President Donald Trump once again accused allies of underfunding the Alliance, while praising the work of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Trump stated that the United States has spent about one trillion dollars on defending its European allies, while some countries, he said, are not fulfilling their financial obligations to the Alliance.
“We’ve been paying 100% of NATO’s costs, and there are still countries that don’t want to pay anything,” the U.S. president said.
He also expressed dissatisfaction that the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, he said, did not support the U.S. during the war with Iran.
Despite his criticism of allies, Trump spoke positively about NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
“He’s a great leader. They’re lucky to have him. He’s their greatest asset,” the U.S. president said, referring to the head of the Alliance.
This was reported by “European Truth” on July 8.
As a reminder, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Spain ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, stating his intention to sever trade relations and halt visits between the two countries.
Rutte supported Trump on NATO defense spending and policy toward Iran.
