Polish defence chief: Trump unlikely to withdraw US from NATO

The US will not exit NATO under US President-elect Donald Trump who is using his statements as messages directed towards the alliance's members, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

"No," the Polish defence minister said, responding to a radio host's question about whether the US will withdraw from NATO under Trump. "[Trump's remarks] serve an important role - they should mobilize those who do not comply with NATO members' commitment to allocate at least 2% [of GDP for defence spending]," the minister explained, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Earlier, Trump said in an interview with NBC News that he would "certainly" consider withdrawing the United States from the alliance if member nations do not meet their financial obligations. He emphasized that the financial commitment of NATO members is a crucial condition for Washington's continued participation in the alliance.

Trump has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with NATO’s actions. During the US presidential election in November 2024, he threatened to withdraw the US from NATO unless European partners take on greater financial responsibility for their own security. Trump will take office as US president on January 20, 2025.

By Khagan Isayev