Trump has renewed his criticism of Nato, questioning whether the alliance would come to America’s defence and suggesting it should be “put to the test” by deploying forces to the US–Mexico border.
US President Donald Trump has once again questioned Nato’s reliability, suggesting the alliance should be “put to the test” by deploying its forces to the US–Mexico border, reigniting tensions with America’s long-time allies.
Trump suggests invoking Article 5 at southern border
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Nato’s collective defence clause could have been invoked to address illegal immigration into the US, arguing that such a move would free up American Border Patrol agents for other duties.
“Maybe we should have put NATO to the test: Invoked Article 5, and forced NATO to come here and protect our Southern Border from further invasions of illegal immigrants, thus freeing up large numbers of Border Patrol Agents for other tasks,” Trump wrote.
Doubts over Nato’s commitment to the US
Trump’s remarks followed comments at the World Economic Forum, where he said he was unsure whether Nato would come to the defence of the United States, even though he maintained that Washington would defend its allies if required.
His latest criticism also comes after some European countries deployed troops to Greenland, a development that has drawn Trump’s attention as Nato faces renewed scrutiny under his presidency.
Afghanistan war cited by Trump
Trump has repeatedly criticised America’s Nato allies over their role in Afghanistan, claiming allied troops “stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines” during the US-led campaign against the Taliban.
Nato has invoked its mutual defence clause only once in its history, following the September 11 attacks, when member states sent thousands of troops to Afghanistan. More than a thousand non-US service members were killed during the conflict, and Trump’s comments are expected to further strain ties between the US and its allies.
‘Ultimate test’ of the alliance
As he escalates his grievances, Trump has repeatedly questioned whether the 31 other Nato members would come to America’s defence in a crisis.
Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, he said he was “not sure” Nato would pass the “ultimate test” of defending the US if it were under threat.
“We’ve never needed them… They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines,” Trump said, adding that the US has been “very good to Europe and to many other countries” and that the relationship “has to be a two-way street”.
Casualties among Nato allies
In total, 3,486 Nato troops died during the 20-year war in Afghanistan, including 2,461 US service members. Britain lost 457 troops, with around 2,000 military and civilian personnel wounded. Canada suffered 165 deaths, including civilians, during its 12-year deployment, its longest and deadliest combat mission since the Korean War.
Other Nato countries, including Italy, Germany and France, also lost soldiers during the conflict.
Denmark and Greenland remarks
Trump has also singled out Denmark, which controls Greenland, describing it as “ungrateful” for US protection during World War Two. Denmark lost 44 soldiers in Afghanistan, the highest per capita toll among Nato allies outside the US.
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