Axios: Trump toughens tone toward Europe, praises China and Russia, and casts doubt on NATO

Relations between the United States and its European partners have entered a new phase of tensions, as US President Donald Trump, together with senior officials in his administration, have intensified criticism of European countries over defense spending and their weight within NATO.

In recent weeks, Trump has spoken in harsh terms about several European leaders, while at the same time praising other international figures, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. These positions have sparked debate over the direction transatlantic relations may take in the future.

The debate has also centered on NATO. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the start of a six-month review to examine the contributions of European states to the Alliance. According to him, countries that do not reach the required level of contribution could face a reduction in the US military presence on their territory.

In the same vein, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has voiced criticism of several European countries over restrictions that, according to him, are placed on the US use of military bases. He has questioned the commitment of some allies within NATO, stressing that support for US operations should be greater.

The approach of some European states to the conflict with Iran is also seen as a concern by the US administration. According to Washington, the lack of willingness to provide military and infrastructural support has deepened disagreements between the two sides of the Atlantic.

Trump has also signaled that he may review US commitment to NATO, attacking the alliance and claiming that it is not providing the necessary support for American interests.

The US president also prompted reactions after his statement that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had begged him for a joint photograph during the G7 summit. This claim was denied by Meloni, who called it untrue. There was also controversy in the United Kingdom after Trump publicly announced Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation before there had been any official communication.

In this charged atmosphere, attention has shifted to the expected meeting at the White House between Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The meeting is seen as a defining moment for the future of relations between the United States and its European allies, as well as for the role NATO will play in the years ahead.