NATO Chief Defends Trump

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte rejects claims that former President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs violated NATO’s founding principles.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Raises Concerns

Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide believes the U.S. may have breached NATO’s Article 2 with its new tariffs on allied nations.

Article 2 Emphasizes Economic Cooperation

Article 2 urges NATO members to “eliminate conflict in their international economic policies” and “encourage economic collaboration.”

“We Need Strong Economies in NATO,” Says Eide

“If you want a strong NATO, you need economic growth among member countries,” Eide told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

Rutte: Trade Disputes Have Happened Before

Mark Rutte argues that past disagreements over tariffs never violated NATO’s agreements — and this situation is no different.

“It’s Not My Job to Judge U.S. Tariffs”

Rutte emphasized that his role is to defend NATO territory, not comment on national trade policies.

Rutte Praises Trump’s Role in Diplomacy

The NATO chief said he was impressed with Trump’s efforts to break the deadlock and initiate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia Remains NATO’s Primary Threat

Rutte warned of increasing threats from Russia and other state and non-state actors, stressing the need for military readiness.

NATO to Increase Defense Spending

“No matter the challenge, we must be ready to defend ourselves,” Rutte said, pledging a boost in NATO defense investments.

What Article 2 of NATO Actually Says

“They will seek to eliminate conflict in their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration between any or all of them.”