Depending on the outcome of the presidential election, is there a risk of the USA withdrawing from NATO? The new head of the security alliance is optimistic.
According to his own words, the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expects the USA to remain in the defense alliance – regardless of the outcome of the presidential election in the most influential member country. “The USA stands behind NATO. Donald Trump stood and stands behind NATO. Kamala Harris stood and stands behind NATO,” said Rutte on ZDF’s “Heute Journal”.
Both Republicans and Democrats know that NATO not only serves the security of Europe, but also the security of the USA. And a president must ensure that his country is safe, said the NATO chief. Both candidates are clear that their security is closely linked to NATO.
Trump’s statements in the past had raised doubts about whether the United States would fully support its commitment under his leadership. At times, Trump even threatened to withdraw the USA from the alliance.
Former Dutch Prime Minister Rutte took over as NATO Secretary General on October 1st and made his inaugural visit to Berlin on Monday. He has a reputation for being particularly adept at dealing with Trump and for having a comparatively good rapport with him. During a meeting in 2019, Trump said he and Rutte had become friends.
