NATO presses to keep Trump on board, but is he hobbling alliance?

Nervous NATO allies are racing to keep President Donald Trump engaged in the alliance, increasing defense spending and intensifying diplomatic outreach, even as his administration undercuts Europe, distances itself from Ukraine, and strengthens ties with Russia.

“We know the direction: less U.S. in the alliance,” one NATO diplomat admitted, speaking anonymously. “Our interest is to keep the maximum U.S. in the alliance.”

While U.S. officials maintain that Washington remains committed to NATO, Trump’s presidency has set off alarm bells. His administration has suggested shifting military focus away from Europe, made veiled threats toward allies like Canada and Greenland, and questioned NATO’s core principle—Article 5—by tying U.S. protection to a country’s defense spending.

US President Donald Trump's administration has warned it will no longer be able to be primarily focused on Europe.AFP

The anxiety deepened when U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth bluntly told European allies that Washington would no longer prioritize European security, instead focusing on countering China in the Pacific.

Although past U.S. administrations have considered pivoting away from Europe, Trump’s approach is more abrupt, with few reassurances. Former NATO official Jamie Shea noted that allies had long anticipated America’s gradual withdrawal, but the current situation lacks strategic clarity.

“The Americans have got to be honest with the Europeans about what they’re going to take away and what they’re going to leave—because at the moment, Europe has no idea,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Europe is ramping up defense spending in response to Trump’s demands, with NATO countries now eyeing a spending target of 5% of GDP. However, officials acknowledge that replacing key U.S. assets, particularly nuclear capabilities, remains nearly impossible.

Adding to the uncertainty is Trump’s growing outreach to Russia. While some hope it’s a tactical maneuver to end the war in Ukraine, others fear a broader strategic realignment that could upend NATO’s core mission.

"If this is just tactical, it could be acceptable," a NATO diplomat cautiously noted. "If it’s a strategic shift, then of course it’s a big problem."