Rebecca Myshrall examines how President Donald J. Trump’s first administration marked a significant shift in the US stance toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), with unprecedented criticism focused on the financial contributions of European allies.
Myshrall summarizes the historical context of NATO’s formation and evolution of the US perspectives on it. Myshrall then documents President Trump’s historical animosity towards NATO, particularly his complaint about the lacking financial contributions of European allies, and how that animosity remains in his rhetoric today.
Ultimately, in analyzing the first Trump Administration’s relationship with NATO and his continuing NATO critiques made on the 2024 presidential campaign trail, this article concludes that Trump’s second administration is not an existential threat to NATO. Rather, the critical rhetoric will likely push NATO countries to increase their defense spending and burden-sharing.
To strengthen transatlantic relations, Myshrall recommends that European allies address Trump-like concerns by boosting their financial and defense contributions. Additionally, Myshrall suggests policy advisors for Trump’s new administration are committed to maintaining a robust transatlantic alliance. However, Myshrall also cautions that Trump’s harsh rhetoric could erode European allies’ trust in the US, potentially creating fissures in NATO’s foundation over time.