‘NATO wasn’t there’: Trump slams alliance over Iran war, revives ‘piece of ice’ Greenland jab

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump sharply criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, April 8, escalating tensions with key European allies just a day after announcing a two-week ceasefire with Iran.

His remarks came amid reports that the administration is weighing punitive measures against NATO members over their stance during the recent conflict.

Trump slams NATO over Iran war support dispute

In the post, Trump accused the alliance of failing the United States during the Iran war and invoked his earlier dispute over Greenland. "NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN," Trump wrote. "REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!"

The remarks followed Trump’s April 7 ceasefire announcement after Operation Epic Fury entered its 38th day.

The criticism coincided with an exclusive report by the Wall Street Journal stating that the administration is considering retaliatory steps against NATO countries it believes did not support the US and Israel during the Iran war.

According to the report, officials are exploring options, including repositioning American troops away from less cooperative NATO members. The proposal has gained traction among senior officials, reflecting growing frustration within the administration over the alliance’s response to the conflict.  

US weighs troop shift as NATO tensions rise

The proposed plan involves relocating US forces from NATO countries deemed unhelpful to those that provided support during the Iran campaign. However, it stops short of a complete withdrawal from NATO, which would require congressional approval.

The United States currently has about 84,000 troops stationed across Europe. The plan remains in the early stages and is one of several options under consideration to signal dissatisfaction with certain allies.

Countries including Spain, Germany, Italy, and France have drawn criticism from Washington. Spain reportedly blocked US military aircraft from using its airspace, while Germany publicly questioned the war. Italy briefly denied access to a base in Sicily, and France imposed restrictions on the use of its facilities.

The proposal could also include shutting down at least one US military base in Europe, with Spain and Germany identified as potential candidates, according to the WSJ report.

Nations such as Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece are likely to see increased US military presence under the plan. These countries were among the first to support coalition efforts tied to the Strait of Hormuz and maintain relatively high defense spending within NATO.

A shift of forces eastward would place more US troops closer to Russia’s borders, a move expected to draw a response from Moscow.

Trump meets Mark Rutte as NATO rift deepens

Amid the growing rift, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met Trump in Washington on April 8 in an effort to ease tensions. The meeting followed Trump’s repeated warnings that the US could reconsider its role in the alliance.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump planned a “frank and candid conversation” with Rutte, adding that it was “quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the last six weeks when it's the American people who have been funding their defense.”

European officials have rejected the administration’s claims, arguing they were not consulted before the US launched its military campaign against Iran. This lack of coordination, they said, made immediate support difficult.

The dispute marks the latest strain in US-Europe relations, following disagreements over tariffs, Trump’s engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and tensions with Denmark over Greenland.