Can Trump Really Pull the US Out of NATO?

President Donald Trump has long complained about NATO and the role of the US in the post-World War II alliance. He’s added to his list of grievances this year, lashing out at NATO members for rejecting his efforts to acquire Greenland — a Danish territory — refusing to allow the US to use their bases to launch attacks against Iran, and declining to help secure the Strait of Hormuz until the fighting subsides.

An April meeting at the White House with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte didn’t immediately seem to soothe the tensions. Trump took to his Truth Social platform afterward to complain that “NATO wasn’t there when we needed them.” The US is also increasing pressure on European allies now that a ceasefire has been agreed with Iran, pushing for specific commitments to restore freedom of navigation through Hormuz.