President maintained a critical stance toward the collective commitment of European partners, reiterating that Washington had not received adequate support.
"We were let down," said Trump.
NATO Chief Defends Alliance Solidarity
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the alliance's solidarity, noting substantial budget increases among European members, including Germany's projected $124 billion military expenditure by 2027.
"There is complete commitment of the United States to NATO … the commitment is there, no doubt," said Rutte.
>>> FIFA Investigates Alleged Racist Abuse Against YouTuber IShowSpeed
Rutte emphasized that European and Canadian partners have substantially increased their defense spending since 2017, using data charts to demonstrate collective growth during discussions with the American administration.
"I know there have been debates about whether your allies in Europe were with you enough. I just want to say one thing," said Rutte.
The Secretary General pushed back against claims of European abandonment by pointing out that thousands of American flights utilized continental bases during the six-week war in Iran.
"Let me say one thing.
I know you think that [and] your irritation about that, but when you look at the numbers, 4,000-5,000 US planes [took] off from bases in Europe in the six weeks this war took place," said Rutte.
Rutte acknowledged distinct areas of friction but maintained that the aggregate military contributions demonstrated European reliability.
"I know there have been isolated cases about which you are really disappointed, but generally speaking, your European allies have been there," said Rutte.
