U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said Wednesday on Newsmax that NATO allies must move beyond statements and provide concrete military capabilities, as President Donald Trump reevaluates the alliance's value to the United States and questions whether it remains a two-way street.
Whitaker, appearing on Newsmax's "Bianca Across the Nation," said the United States has shouldered the alliance's burden for 77 years while many partners have fallen short on commitments.
He noted Trump’s push last year for a 5% spending commitment at The Hague as a step toward greater seriousness on security, but said persistent issues, including denials of basing and overflight access for Operation Epic Fury, have prompted the administration to reassess NATO’s role.
The ambassador's comments came as Trump, in recent interviews, described U.S. membership in NATO as "beyond reconsideration" because allies have not supported U.S. efforts in the Iran conflict.
Trump is scheduled to address the nation at 9 p.m. EDT on Wednesday on the operation.
Whitaker responded directly to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement that the United Kingdom will host a virtual meeting of 35 countries on Thursday to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Starmer has described NATO as "the single most effective military alliance in the world." Whitaker said it was not the time for another strongly worded statement.
"It's not the time for another strongly worded statement. It is time for capabilities. It is time for frigates in the Strait of Hormuz," Whitaker said. He added that Europeans have issued statements over the past month, some contrary to U.S. interests.
Whitaker added, "Now is the time to decide whose side are you on? Are you on the side of the United States of America, or are you a key ally of the United States of America, or are you, you know, heading in some other direction?
"The United States needs clear indication from our allies, not only words, but in capabilities and in actions, because that's what matters," he said.
Recent moves by France, Italy, and Spain to deny U.S. military aircraft access to bases or airspace for Iran-related operations have underscored the disconnect, Whitaker said.
He added that these actions contradict public statements from some allies, including the United Kingdom and Italy, that their relationships with the United States remain strong.
European leaders have broadly rejected military involvement in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite U.S. requests.
"Your actions and your words don't line up. And your actions have been, quite frankly, contrary to the United States of America," Whitaker said. "That's not what allies do."
He said the United States has long provided security for Europe while receiving little or no reciprocity.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made the same point, Whitaker noted: the relationship "cannot be a one-way street."
Whitaker also indicated that broader U.S. support for European efforts in Ukraine is under review as part of Trump's America First approach.
"Everything is on the table," he said, adding that the president was elected to bring an America First mindset to all foreign policy decisions.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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