Trump Threatens NATO Withdrawal Over Member Nations Failing To Support Iran Action
"I was very disappointed with NATO and frankly if it weren't held in Turkey where my friend happens to be a very strong leader a very strong person I it's possible that I wouldn't have attended I felt I had to attend because of the fact that you know I know he's gone all out it was a big thing to have NATO come to Turkey or any place else it's a big thing but we weren't treated well because we did something in Iran Iran, we don't need anybody's help. I didn't even want their help. But before I asked, they said they wouldn't be there. And we've invested trillions of dollars in NATO. Why? To protect European countries and others, Canada."
About this episode
In commentary on President Trump's appearance at the NATO summit in Turkey, host Dave Rubin analyzes Trump's escalating confrontation with European allies over defense spending and alliance commitments. Trump revealed he nearly boycotted the summit entirely due to NATO members preemptively refusing to support U.S. military action in Iran, attending only out of respect for Turkish President Erdogan. In a striking disclosure, Trump stated that Erdogan was prepared to militarily intervene in the Israel-Gaza war against Israel but refrained solely because of his personal relationship with Trump. The president simultaneously discussed providing Turkey with F-35 fighter jets despite acknowledging Erdogan's hostility toward Israel and Netanyahu. Trump also announced the removal of sanctions on Turkey and reiterated demands that NATO allies increase defense spending to their commitments, warning that Europe faces existential threats from immigration and energy crises. Mark Rutte, NATO's Secretary General, confirmed in the Washington Post that the alliance is restructuring to reduce dependence on U.S. military power while committing to buy American defense systems. Rubin frames Trump's approach as consistent with his decade-long position on NATO burden-sharing, arguing the president is ending an abusive relationship where America subsidizes allies who refuse to support U.S. interests. The commentary also addresses Trump's continued focus on Greenland as a strategic U.S. interest due to Chinese and Russian naval encroachment. Rubin expresses concern about Turkey's role as a NATO host given its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and human rights record, while acknowledging Trump may be employing a strategy of keeping enemies close.
Key takeaways
- Trump disclosed Turkish President Erdogan nearly intervened militarily in the Israel-Gaza war on the side opposing Israel, stopped only by Trump's personal relationship.
- Trump nearly boycotted the NATO summit after European allies preemptively refused support for U.S. military action in Iran despite trillions in American defense spending.
- Trump announced removal of sanctions on Turkey and discussed F-35 sales despite acknowledging Erdogan's hostility toward Israel and Netanyahu during active conflict.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the alliance is restructuring to reduce dependence on U.S. military power while committing to purchase American defense systems.
- Trump warned European nations face existential threats from immigration and energy crises, stating plainly that if not addressed there will be no Europe anymore.
- Trump reiterated U.S. strategic interest in controlling Greenland due to Chinese and Russian naval encroachment near Canadian and American borders.
- Rubin questions the wisdom of arming Turkey with advanced fighter jets given Erdogan's recent consideration of entering war against U.S. ally Israel.