The move relates to adjustments under the NATO Force Model, which defines the pool of forces member states can activate in wartime or large-scale emergencies.

Trump administration plans to cut US forces available to NATO during crises, yet retain nuclear shield

The Donald Trump administration is reportedly exploring ways to penalise allies that did not back the US during its war with Iran, with a new report suggesting the White House has devised a tiered ‘naughty and nice list’ for NATO countries. According to a Politico report citing three European diplomats and a US war official, the list ranks alliance members based on defence spending and broader cooperation, grouping them into different tiers.&nbsp;Trump has sharply criticised several European allies for their lack of support during the Iran conflict and the subsequent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, events that have driven oil prices higher and unsettled the global economy. Even before the war, the Republican leader had warned NATO members that failing to meet US expectations on defence burden-sharing and strategic alignment could result in consequences, further straining transatlantic ties.&nbsp;US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth had already hinted at potential “preferred” allies. "Model allies that step up, like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others, will receive our special favour," he said, adding that “allies that still fail to do their part for collective defence will face consequences.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-iran-seizes-two-cargo-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz-amid-escalating-tensions-1776898576668">WATCH | Iran seizes two cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions</a>&nbsp;A diplomat quoted in the Politico report noted that the White House's thinking is “similar” to Hegseth’s remarks. Under the reported system, countries such as Poland and Romania could benefit due to their higher defence spending and support for US military efforts. Others, including Spain, may face scrutiny for resisting NATO spending targets and criticizing the Iran war and Israel.&nbsp;Details on specific rewards or penalties remain unclear. Potential measures reportedly include changes to troop deployments, joint military exercises, and defence sales. "They don't seem to have very concrete ideas...when it comes to punishing bad allies," one European official said, adding, "Moving troops is one option, but it mainly punishes the US, doesn't it?"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-captures-vessels-after-trump-announced-truce-extension-1776881677218/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-captures-vessels-after-trump-announced-truce-extension-1776881677218/embed</a>&nbsp;The White House defended its position. Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said, "While the United States has always been there for our so-called allies, countries we protect with thousands of troops have not been there for us throughout Operation Epic Fury," and added that "President Trump has made his thoughts on this unfair dynamic clear, and as he said, the United States will remember.”&nbsp;The Pentagon echoed this stance, saying it “will prioritise cooperation and engagements with model allies who are doing their part for our collective defence.” However, former officials have raised doubts about whether the administration can afford to escalate tensions with Europe amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Trump’s ‘naughty and nice list’ may rank NATO allies based on Iran war support, defence spending, and cooperation, raising tensions with Europe

The Donald Trump administration is reportedly exploring ways to penalise allies that did not back the US during its war with Iran, with a new report suggesting the White House has devised a tiered ‘naughty and nice list’ for NATO countries. According to a Politico report citing three European diplomats and a US war official, the list ranks alliance members based on defence spending and broader cooperation, grouping them into different tiers. Trump has sharply criticised several European allies for their lack of support during the Iran conflict and the subsequent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, events that have driven oil prices higher and unsettled the global economy. Even before the war, the Republican leader had warned NATO members that failing to meet US expectations on defence burden-sharing and strategic alignment could result in consequences, further straining transatlantic ties. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth had already hinted at potential “preferred” allies. "Model allies that step up, like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others, will receive our special favour," he said, adding that “allies that still fail to do their part for collective defence will face consequences.” Also Read: WATCH | Iran seizes two cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions A diplomat quoted in the Politico report noted that the White House's thinking is “similar” to Hegseth’s remarks. Under the reported system, countries such as Poland and Romania could benefit due to their higher defence spending and support for US military efforts. Others, including Spain, may face scrutiny for resisting NATO spending targets and criticizing the Iran war and Israel. Details on specific rewards or penalties remain unclear. Potential measures reportedly include changes to troop deployments, joint military exercises, and defence sales. "They don't seem to have very concrete ideas...when it comes to punishing bad allies," one European official said, adding, "Moving troops is one option, but it mainly punishes the US, doesn't it?" https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-captures-vessels-after-trump-announced-truce-extension-1776881677218/embed The White House defended its position. Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said, "While the United States has always been there for our so-called allies, countries we protect with thousands of troops have not been there for us throughout Operation Epic Fury," and added that "President Trump has made his thoughts on this unfair dynamic clear, and as he said, the United States will remember.” The Pentagon echoed this stance, saying it “will prioritise cooperation and engagements with model allies who are doing their part for our collective defence.” However, former officials have raised doubts about whether the administration can afford to escalate tensions with Europe amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Trump weighs ‘naughty and nice list’ for NATO allies over Iran war support, signaling possible rewards, penalties, and rising transatlantic tensions

'Naughty and nice list': Trump targets NATO allies over Iran war support — Report

Mark Rutte has clarified why he controversially referred to Donald Trump as ‘daddy’ during an awkward joint appearance last year. The NATO secretary-general went viral in June after using the unusual term while responding to Trump’s remarks comparing Israel and Iran to ‘two kids in a schoolyard’. At the time, Rutte said, “Daddy has to use tough language.”&nbsp;Speaking on Thursday (April 9) at the Ronald Reagan Institute, Rutte addressed the incident after being asked whether he still viewed Trump that way, even as tensions rose over NATO’s support in the US conflict with Iran. He dismissed the moment as a translation issue, saying, “It follows me a little bit, I can assure you.” He explained, “In Dutch, you would say, the translation of your father is daddy, and I said, ‘sometimes daddy has to be angry’. “So I was not calling him my daddy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-some-allies-were-slow-to-deliver-support-nato-chief-succumbs-to-trump-pressure-1775752103849">'Some allies were slow to deliver support': NATO Chief succumbs to Trump pressure?</a>&nbsp;“But of course, daddy has all sorts of special connotations, and now I have to live with it for the rest of my life.” Laughing it off, he added, “And I own it. And the president owns it. He brought out t-shirts, he made a movie, ‘Daddy is home’, when he returned to the United States. This is why I like him so much. “You make mistakes, and this is when you are not a native speaker. Sorry for that.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-american-leadership-is-absolutely-essential-1775751264662/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-american-leadership-is-absolutely-essential-1775751264662/embed</a>&nbsp;Rutte also confirmed he held a private meeting with Trump at the White House on Wednesday (April 8) evening. While details remain unclear, Donald Trump later claimed NATO had not supported the US when needed. Rutte downplayed any tension, describing their discussion as open and friendly, though acknowledging Trump was ‘clearly disappointed’ with allies.

Mark Rutte explains his viral “daddy” comment about Donald Trump, calling it a translation mistake as NATO tensions and US criticism grow

Mark Rutte has clarified why he controversially referred to Donald Trump as ‘daddy’ during an awkward joint appearance last year. The NATO secretary-general went viral in June after using the unusual term while responding to Trump’s remarks comparing Israel and Iran to ‘two kids in a schoolyard’. At the time, Rutte said, “Daddy has to use tough language.” Speaking on Thursday (April 9) at the Ronald Reagan Institute, Rutte addressed the incident after being asked whether he still viewed Trump that way, even as tensions rose over NATO’s support in the US conflict with Iran. He dismissed the moment as a translation issue, saying, “It follows me a little bit, I can assure you.” He explained, “In Dutch, you would say, the translation of your father is daddy, and I said, ‘sometimes daddy has to be angry’. “So I was not calling him my daddy. Also Read: 'Some allies were slow to deliver support': NATO Chief succumbs to Trump pressure? “But of course, daddy has all sorts of special connotations, and now I have to live with it for the rest of my life.” Laughing it off, he added, “And I own it. And the president owns it. He brought out t-shirts, he made a movie, ‘Daddy is home’, when he returned to the United States. This is why I like him so much. “You make mistakes, and this is when you are not a native speaker. Sorry for that.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-american-leadership-is-absolutely-essential-1775751264662/embed Rutte also confirmed he held a private meeting with Trump at the White House on Wednesday (April 8) evening. While details remain unclear, Donald Trump later claimed NATO had not supported the US when needed. Rutte downplayed any tension, describing their discussion as open and friendly, though acknowledging Trump was ‘clearly disappointed’ with allies.

Mark Rutte says calling Donald Trump ‘daddy’ was a translation mistake, laughs off viral moment, and denies tensions despite NATO criticism

Not my daddy! Mark Rutte explains 'daddy' comment about Donald Trump, calls it 'translation mistake' amid NATO tensions

Donald Trump will discuss the possibility of the United States leaving NATO when he meets alliance chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday (April 8), the White House said, accusing allies of abandoning American interests. The meeting follows a newly agreed two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Trump has voiced frustration over Western partners declining to support his military actions against Tehran, intensifying tensions within the decades-old alliance.&nbsp;"It's quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks when it's the American people who have been funding their defense," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.When asked whether Trump would raise the possibility of withdrawing from NATO, Leavitt said: “It's something the president has discussed, and I think it's something the president will be discussing in a couple of hours with Secretary-General Rutte.” "Perhaps you'll hear directly from the president following that meeting," she added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-first-round-of-talks-to-take-place-on-saturday-in-pakistan-says-white-house-1775667226703">US-Iran talks in Pakistan: Trump to send JD Vance, Kushner and Witkoff for talks; first round on Saturday</a>&nbsp;Trump has criticized NATO members as ‘cowards’ for restricting US military access to bases and declining to spearhead efforts to secure the critical Strait of Hormuz. Rutte, however, has built a reputation for maintaining dialogue with Trump and is expected to attempt to ease tensions during talks that will also include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Before the White House meeting, Rutte held discussions with Rubio on Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war, and NATO commitments. “The two leaders discussed Operation Epic Fury, ongoing US-led efforts to bring a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and increasing coordination and burden shifting with NATO Allies,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.&nbsp;NATO has faced repeated strain since Trump returned to office, including disputes over defense spending, US troop commitments in Europe, and his controversial proposal to take control of Greenland. Rutte, often described as a ‘Trump whisperer’, has sought to keep the alliance intact, including backing US actions against Iran as something to ‘applaud’. Trump has praised Rutte personally, calling him ‘a wonderful guy’, even as he claimed NATO countries had ‘gone out of their way not to help’ in Middle East efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-trump-s-red-line-have-not-changed-1775673901674/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-trump-s-red-line-have-not-changed-1775673901674/embed</a>&nbsp;A NATO official said Rutte aims to address global security challenges, including Iran and Ukraine, and build on agreements made at last year’s summit in The Hague to increase defense spending. Trump has long criticized NATO, previously labeling it ‘obsolete’ and considering withdrawal. Concerns have deepened as even traditional supporters like Rubio have suggested Washington may need to reassess its role in the alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Trump to discuss NATO exit with Rutte after Iran ceasefire: White House

Donald Trump will discuss the possibility of the United States leaving NATO when he meets alliance chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday (April 8), the White House said, accusing allies of abandoning American interests. The meeting follows a newly agreed two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Trump has voiced frustration over Western partners declining to support his military actions against Tehran, intensifying tensions within the decades-old alliance. "It's quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks when it's the American people who have been funding their defense," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. When asked whether Trump would raise the possibility of withdrawing from NATO, Leavitt said: “It's something the president has discussed, and I think it's something the president will be discussing in a couple of hours with Secretary-General Rutte.” "Perhaps you'll hear directly from the president following that meeting," she added. Also Read: US-Iran talks in Pakistan: Trump to send JD Vance, Kushner and Witkoff for talks; first round on Saturday Trump has criticized NATO members as ‘cowards’ for restricting US military access to bases and declining to spearhead efforts to secure the critical Strait of Hormuz. Rutte, however, has built a reputation for maintaining dialogue with Trump and is expected to attempt to ease tensions during talks that will also include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Before the White House meeting, Rutte held discussions with Rubio on Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war, and NATO commitments. “The two leaders discussed Operation Epic Fury, ongoing US-led efforts to bring a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and increasing coordination and burden shifting with NATO Allies,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott. NATO has faced repeated strain since Trump returned to office, including disputes over defense spending, US troop commitments in Europe, and his controversial proposal to take control of Greenland. Rutte, often described as a ‘Trump whisperer’, has sought to keep the alliance intact, including backing US actions against Iran as something to ‘applaud’. Trump has praised Rutte personally, calling him ‘a wonderful guy’, even as he claimed NATO countries had ‘gone out of their way not to help’ in Middle East efforts. https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-trump-s-red-line-have-not-changed-1775673901674/embed A NATO official said Rutte aims to address global security challenges, including Iran and Ukraine, and build on agreements made at last year’s summit in The Hague to increase defense spending. Trump has long criticized NATO, previously labeling it ‘obsolete’ and considering withdrawal. Concerns have deepened as even traditional supporters like Rubio have suggested Washington may need to reassess its role in the alliance. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Trump will discuss a possible NATO exit with Rutte after the Iran ceasefire, accusing allies of abandoning US interests and deepening alliance tensions

trump-vs-nato

Trump Vs Nato, News on Trump Vs Nato, stories on Trump Vs Nato, articles on Trump Vs Nato, Trump Vs Nato stories at Wion, Trump Vs Nato news, Trump Vs Nato latest news

trump vs-nato

Trump administration plans to cut US forces available to NATO during crises, yet retain nuclear shield

'Naughty and nice list': Trump targets NATO allies over Iran war support—Report

Rutte explains 'daddy' comment about Trump, calls it 'translation mistake'

Trump to discuss NATO exit with Rutte after Iran ceasefire: White House