President Donald Trump is set to discuss the potential withdrawal of the United States from NATO during a face-to-face meeting with Secretary General Mark Rutte this afternoon.
The high-level talks are scheduled to take place at 3:30 p.m. ET in the Oval Office, according to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
The discussion comes as the President continues to evaluate the U.S. position within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
A central point of contention for the administration involves the alliance’s response to recent military escalations in the Middle East. President Trump has expressed frustration over what he characterizes as a lack of support from NATO allies regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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While the United States and Israel initiated the strikes in the region, the President has repeatedly called on NATO members to assist in military and diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. These requests have so far yielded minimal results from the treaty’s member nations.
“The President is still considering withdrawing the U.S. from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization,” Leavitt confirmed, noting that the meeting with Rutte would serve as a formal venue to address these grievances.
The administration has not yet confirmed a final decision on the matter, but Leavitt indicated that the President may choose to address the public or the press following the conclusion of the meeting later today.
Global leaders and defense officials are closely watching the outcome of the 3:30 p.m. session, as a U.S. departure would fundamentally alter the structure of Western international security.
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