Donald Trump’s recent attacks on European leaders go beyond yet another episode of sharp rhetoric — they reveal a deep, structural crisis in transatlantic relations. Washington now appears to be explicitly and openly linking Europe’s reluctance to engage on Iran with the future of American support for NATO.
As Axios reveals, American officials are using European allies’ refusal to align with Washington’s hard-line stance on Iran as a pressure lever. Against this backdrop, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected in Washington for a meeting with Trump that could prove to be the most critical for the Alliance since the American president’s return to power.
Within just a few days, Trump and senior members of his administration have rattled some of the United States’ closest allies. The American president claimed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had “begged” him to take a photo with her at the G7 summit. Meloni, once one of his closest allies, called the claim “completely unfounded,” igniting a fierce confrontation on social media.
Pressure over European contributions to NATO
At the same time, Trump announced the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer before Starmer had a chance to do so himself, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned NATO defense ministers that the US would review which European countries are not paying their fair share — leaving open the possibility of reducing American military presence.
Meanwhile, Trump lavished praise on leaders such as Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Vladimir Putin — in stark contrast to how he treats America’s traditional allies.
Europe and the war on Iran take center stage
The new element fueling Washington’s anger is Europe’s refusal to support military action against Iran or allow the use of their bases. “NATO will be a two-way street,” Hegseth warned.
Rutte knows well the art of flattering Trump, but this time his task is expected to be particularly difficult.
