NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says he's had "several conversations this week" with Trump

CBS News
March 22, 2026
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3 min read

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NATO and Trump administration discuss alliance concerns over defense spending and US commitment amid ongoing tension.

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance has held "several conversations this week" with President Trump following Trump's criticism of NATO as a "paper tiger without the U.S." Rutte told CBS News that 22 nations, including many NATO members, have since coordinated together—a response suggesting the alliance is moving to address Trump's concerns about burden-sharing and U.S. commitment. Trump's rhetoric reflects his longstanding position that European nations should spend more on defense rather than relying on American military protection. The exchanges indicate ongoing tension between the White House and NATO leadership over defense spending and alliance priorities, even as Rutte framed the recent coordination positively. The Trump administration has signaled expectations for greater European defense investment as a condition for continued U.S. security guarantees.

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said 22 nations have coordinated together in response to Trump's criticism.

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