Politico: White House develops “naughty and nice” list of NATO allies

The White House has developed a system resembling a “naughty and nice” list of NATO countries as the Trump administration explores ways to penalise allies that did not support its approach to a recent Iran-related conflict.

The initiative, worked on ahead of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Washington this month, reportedly categorises alliance members based on their contributions to NATO and places them into different tiers, three European diplomats and a U.S. defence official familiar with the plan told Politico. 

It marks the latest sign that President Donald Trump intends to follow through on long-standing threats against allies that do not align with his demands, adding further strain to an already fragile transatlantic relationship. Tensions have escalated amid Trump’s broader criticism of NATO members, including past remarks about Greenland and suggestions of a potential U.S. withdrawal from the alliance.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth first outlined the concept in December, saying: “Model allies that step up, like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others, will receive our special favor,” he said. “Allies that still fail to do their part for collective defense will face consequences.”

One diplomat said the internal list appeared to reflect this approach.

“The White House has a naughty and nice paper so I guess the thinking is similar,” the person said.

Officials have not disclosed specific details, and it remains unclear what form any “favors” or “consequences” might take. According to sources, internal discussions are ongoing, with limited clarity even among allies.

“They don’t seem to have very concrete ideas…when it comes to punishing bad allies,” said another European official, who, like others, was granted anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic issues. “Moving troops is one option, but it mainly punishes the U.S. doesn’t it?”

It is also not known which countries are placed in which category, or whether NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has been briefed on the initiative. However, Romania and Poland are seen as likely beneficiaries given their alignment with Washington and openness to increased U.S. military presence.

Options under consideration reportedly include shifting U.S. troops between European countries, as well as adjusting participation in joint exercises and military sales. However, officials caution that any redeployment would be costly and logistically complex.

Hegseth initially used the “model ally” framing to describe NATO members that have increased defence spending in line with the alliance’s 5 per cent targets promoted by Trump. The same language was also referenced in the National Defense Strategy released in January.

The concept could give Washington tools to reduce troop deployments or military cooperation with countries deemed less cooperative, while strengthening ties with those considered “model allies,” according to two European officials familiar with the plan. 

By Sabina Mammadli