Fact Check: Did Trump threaten to nuke NATO depots, prompting sharp response from EU?

WASHINGTON, DC: An online post on social media platforms alleged that President Donald Trump threatened to launch a nuclear attack on every NATO depot, prompting a sharp response from the European Union (EU). The claim has sparked concern about Trump’s renewed feud with NATO, prompting a fact-check.

Claim: Donald Trump made nuclear threats against NATO

According to a viral post that appeared on X, Trump threatened NATO, saying, “We will turn every single NATO depot into nuclear ash. Never mind the pipelines; we will transform your cities from East to West into a living graveyard. Europe will never rise again from this frozen ash." 

The European Union allegedly hit back, stating, “You are a barbaric monster building your empire upon piles of innocent corpses. We will reduce every one of your warships and bunkers to dust and bury this evil regime in the ground."

Fact Check: The claim is fake and fabricated

The claim, however, is false, as there are no records of Trump making such a grave threat against NATO. Hence, there is no evidence of a warning from the European Union.

There are no publicly available transcripts, press releases, or social media posts from the president in which he made nuclear threats against NATO. 

The viral remark also revealed an unprofessional tone and language, which is unlikely for an international organization like the EU to use, indicating the post was likely intended as a meme.

The claim was posted by an account that describes itself in the bio as a ‘parody account’ and has made several posts involving fabricated and factionalized exchanges involving global leaders and organizations for the sake of engagement.

Donald Trump's criticism of NATO allies

Last month, Trump renewed his criticism of NATO allies, reminding them that the US remembers times it asked for support but did not get it. 

"Countries, when they need help, they call America. I don't always give it, because sometimes they haven't been very good to us," Trump said.

"You know, NATO wasn't there for us. NATO was NOT there for us. We pay all that money for so many decades. Money, money, money," he said. "We say, yeah, give us a hand. 'Well, sir, we'd rather not.' But we remember." 

Trump’s disdain for NATO stems from the member countries’ refusal to allow the US access to their airspace or take part in or publicly support the campaign in the Middle East.