In a speech on Wednesday night, Trump criticized U.S. allies but stopped short of condemning NATO, as many experts thought he might. That reality is sinking in for Europeans, who have counted on NATO as a bulwark against an increasingly assertive Russia. But while many European officials until recently believed that Trump could be kept on board with pomp and flattery, fewer now hold that belief, according to conversations with dozens of former and current U.S. and European officials. But analysts say that, as commander-in-chief, Trump can decide whether the U.S. military will defend NATO members. Analysts say European nations have good reason to keep the U.S. engaged in NATO despite doubts over whether Trump would come to their defense.

Source: The Telegraph April 03, 2026 08:11 UTC