Trump Attacks NATO After Closed-Door Meeting with Rutte, Renews Greenland Threats; WSJ Reports Plans to Punish Non-Cooperating Allies

Donald Trump attacked NATO after a closed-door meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and appeared to revive his Greenland threats. According to AFP, the meeting took place amid expectations it would address the possibility of the United States withdrawing from the major security alliance. Trump's anger at NATO allies for not supporting his war against Iran had raised fears he might seek to withdraw the US from the 80-year-old alliance. However, in his first remarks after the meeting, he only emphasized his dissatisfaction. Trump wrote on Truth Social: "When we needed NATO, they weren't there, and if we need them again, they won't be." He added without further explanation: "Remember Greenland, that big piece of ice that's being badly managed!!!" Before Trump began his war against Iran, his threat to seize the vast Arctic island from Denmark — a NATO ally — had been one of the main issues troubling the alliance. Rutte, former Dutch prime minister known for his skill in keeping conversations calm, entered through a side entrance to the West Wing of the White House, and the meeting was held behind closed doors. Rutte later told CNN: "It was a very frank and open conversation." When asked several times whether Trump mentioned withdrawing from the alliance, he did not give a direct answer. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump wants to "punish" some NATO members who he believes did not cooperate during the conflict, by withdrawing US forces from their countries. The plan falls short of Trump's usual threats of a complete US withdrawal from NATO — an action that would require congressional approval. NATO has faced numerous crises since Trump returned to power last year, most severely his threat to seize Greenland. In recent months he has also suspended support for Ukraine in its war against Russia and threatened not to protect allies if they do not increase defense spending. Rutte also told CNN that Trump is "clearly dissatisfied with European allies." When asked whether the world is now safer than before the war, Rutte said "absolutely" and credited Trump's "leadership" in weakening Iran's nuclear threats. He added that NATO members do not consider the war in Iran illegal and most believe weakening Iran's nuclear capabilities was necessary — statements in contrast with European leaders who had repeatedly said the Iran war was "not their war."