From NATO criticism to a supporter: Trump’s surprising alliance reversal

President Donald Trump Delivered a resounding approval of NATO this week, marking a lively turnaround in its relationship of several years, often controversial with the Alliance.

Formerly known to explode allies on defense spending and even threaten to completely withdraw from NATO, Trump now seems to have a change of heart.

“I left here differently. I left here saying that these people really like their country,” Trump said after the NATO summit in 2025 in The Hague.

The pivot comes as NATO nations have more than doubled their objective of collective defense spending – passing the bar from 2% to 5% of GDP.

World leaders flock to meet Trump at the top of NATO

NATO leaders pose for a photo at the 2025 summit. (Reuters / Claudia Greco)

Of rhetoric hostile to royal receptions

The renewed adaptation of the President of the Alliance follows years of friction, high -level clashes with world leaders and controversial comments. However, at the top of this year, the tone was surprisingly different.

Trump was greeted by the Dutch Royals, congratulated by the secretary general of NATO – who even called him “dad” – and returned home by praising European allies for their patriotism. “It’s not a scam, and we’re here to help them,” Trump told journalists.

The transformation is as dramatic as it is unexpected.

The Iranian factor: military action with a global impact

Trump arrived at the top of NATO on a high note after American strikes that paralyzed Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to American and allied sources of intelligence, the operation found the nuclear ambitions of Tehran for several years.

The strike has been largely considered to be a show of strength and a strategic warning – not only for Iran but for opponents of NATO like Russia and China.

World leaders flock to meet Trump at the top of NATO

“He really came from this decision to be able,” said Giedrimas Jeglinskas, former NATO official and current president of the National Security Committee for Lithuania.

“Among some, certainly Eastern Europe, Central Europe, Nordic Europe, this attack, the use of these truly sophisticated weapons and bombers, was the reconstruction of the West deterrence, not just America.”

Trump was greeted by the Dutch Royals, congratulated by the secretary general of NATO – who even called him “dad” – and returned home by praising European allies for their patriotism. “It’s not a scam, and we’re here to help them,” Trump told journalists. (Photo AP / Matthias Schrader)

Chronology: Trump’s rocky route with NATO

2016 campaign track

Trump has repeatedly called the NATO “obsolete”, questioning his relevance and slamming allies for not having paid their “just part”.

“It costs us too much money … We pay disproportionately. It is too much,” he said in March 2016.

He criticized NATO for lacking concentration on terrorism, later taking the credit when he created a chief intelligence post.

February 2017 – First Presidency

Trump softened his tone after having become president.

“We strongly support NATO,” he said after visiting central command. “We only ask that all members make their complete and appropriate financial contribution.”

He continued to put pressure for the members to reach the target of 2% by 2024.

Brussels Summit 2018

Trump threatened privately to shoot the United States from NATO unless the allies increase the expenses.

“Now we are in the Second World War to protect a country that did not pay its bills,” he warned.

Despite the posture, he called NATO a “refined machine” after having extracted new expenses. He also accused Germany of being a “captive of Russia” on the North Stream 2 pipeline.

Trump goes to the top of NATO when Europe agrees to take into account his requests for defense expenses

President Donald Trump, illustrated with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, gave NATO resounding approval this week, marking a lively reversal in his relations, often controversial with the Alliance. (AP photo Kin Cheung, poop)

2019 London Summit

The drama continued, this time with French President Emmanuel Macron calling NATO “to brain death”.

“NATO serves a big goal. I think it’s very insulting,” said Trump.

He also clashed with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – the appellant “on two sides” after Trudeau was surprised to make fun of Trump on the camera.

2020 – Withdrawal of Germany troops

Trump ordered 12,000 American soldiers from Germany, citing Defense Deficits in Berlin.

February 2024 – Controversy in Russia

Trump triggered the backlash after suggesting that he would leave Russia “do what they want” to NATO countries that have not complied with spending obligations.

The remark sparked emergency emergency talks between European leaders in the future of the Alliance if the United States has not defined itself.

June 2025: A different Trump, another NATO

The 2025 summit in The Hague took place with a surprising calm. Trump’s hosts have deployed the red carpet. “He is the most important man and man in the world,” said Jeglinskas.

Jeglinskas has credited Trump’s blunt diplomacy-so unorthodox-to have helped stimulate real reform “he has brought a tectonic change to the abilities of the Alliance … being himself,” he added. “It’s a gift for the alliance.”

Trump is greeted by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Maxima with Paleis Huis Ten Bosch at the top of NATO. (Brendan Smialowski – Pool / Getty Images)

Two forces behind NATO rebirth: Russia and Trump

Experts agree that the recent revitalization of NATO comes from two main catalysts: the invasion of Russia in 2022 of Ukraine and the incessant pressure of Trump on the allies to stimulate defense.

“”President Trump is going high this week with two major victories in foreign policy, “said Matthew Kroenig, vice-president of the Atlantic Council Scowcroft Center, referring to NATO and recent American strikes on the Iranian nuclear program.” It’s great. I hope he can continue. “”

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He added: “Each president from Eisenhower complained that the NATO allies do not make their fair share.”

Now Trump was the one who made them listen to them, he said.