Trump Says NATO Burden‑Sharing Unequal as Allies Shunned U.S. in Iran

At a press briefing before his one‑on‑one with Erdogan, former President Donald Trump criticized NATO partners for what he described as an "unequal split of duties." He recounted that when Washington ordered a military response against Iranian facilities, the alliance offered little to no logistical or political backing.

"We have spent billions on NATO infrastructure, training and equipment," Trump emphasized. "Yet when we asked for help, the answer was silence. It feels as if the burden of defense falls predominantly on the United States."

Trump questioned whether European allies, Canada and others would honor their treaty obligations under future crises, and hinted that the U.S. might reconsider its long‑standing financial contributions to the collective defense scheme.