The NATO Trump tension has reached a boiling point in 2026. Driven by the ongoing Iran war and old fights over defense money, the alliance is facing a massive crisis. President Donald Trump treats NATO like a business deal. For him, helping the United States in the Middle East is the ultimate test of loyalty. Right now, Europe is failing that test.

The Iran War Spark: “Operation Epic Fury”

The crisis started with the US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran, called “Operation Epic Fury.” When the war started in late February 2026, the Strait of Hormuz was shut down. This caused panic in global oil markets.

Trump demanded that NATO allies send navy ships and help clear mines in the water. He also demanded access to military bases. However, most European members said no. They feared the war would grow out of control. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez even closed his country’s airspace to show resistance.

An angry Trump fired back. He called NATO a “paper tiger” and its members “cowards.” White House insiders say Trump is now planning to move 70,000 US troops out of uncooperative countries like Spain and relocate them to more loyal nations. This has sparked massive fears of a complete US NATO withdrawal.

The Rutte-Trump Showdown

The NATO Trump tension was on full display on April 8, 2026. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the White House to calm things down. It did not go well.

The White House Press Secretary called it a “frank” talk. She blasted European allies for turning their backs on America. On CNN, Rutte admitted that Trump was disappointed. Rutte praised Trump for forcing all 32 members to finally spend 2% of their GDP on defense. However, Trump is no longer happy with 2%. He is now demanding a massive 5% of GDP for defense spending.

This showdown happened just one day after Trump announced a two-week Iran ceasefire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the ceasefire, European diplomats refuse to join any mine-clearing missions. Trump has publicly warned that the US “will remember” this betrayal.

Can Trump Actually Do a US NATO Withdrawal?

With the NATO Trump tension at an all-time high, everyone is asking: Can Trump legally pull the US out of NATO? The short answer is no, but the reality is much more complicated.

The Legal Block: In December 2023, Congress passed a bipartisan law (NDAA 2024). This law strictly stops any president from leaving NATO without a two-thirds supermajority vote in the Senate or a special act of Congress. It was designed specifically to stop a unilateral US NATO withdrawal.

The Presidential Power Loophole: However, Trump could fight this in court. He can argue that the US President has the ultimate power over foreign treaties. There is history to back this up. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter cancelled a defense treaty with Taiwan without asking the Senate. When members of Congress sued him in the famous Goldwater v. Carter case, the Supreme Court refused to stop the President.

If Trump uses this legal loophole and gives NATO the required one-year exit notice, it could trigger the biggest constitutional crisis in American history.

The Path Forward: The Hague Summit 2026

Europe is terrified of a US NATO withdrawal. To save the alliance, all eyes are now on the upcoming Hague NATO Summit in mid-2026.

The Presidential Power Loophole: However, Trump could fight this in court. He can argue that the US President has the ultimate power over foreign treaties. There is history to back this up. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter cancelled a defense treaty with Taiwan without asking the Senate. When members of Congress sued him in the famous Goldwater v. Carter case, the Supreme Court refused to stop the President.

If Trump uses this legal loophole and gives NATO the required one-year exit notice, it could trigger the biggest constitutional crisis in American history.

The Path Forward: The Hague Summit 2026

Europe is terrified of a US NATO withdrawal. To save the alliance, all eyes are now on the upcoming Hague NATO Summit in mid-2026.

At the Hague Summit, NATO leaders are planning a “quantum leap” to protect themselves from Trump’s unreliability. Rutte is pushing a strict new plan:

• The 5% Demand: Allies will be pushed to meet Trump’s demand of 5% GDP spending (3.5% for weapons and troops, 1.5% for cyber and infrastructure).
• A “European Pillar”: Europe plans to provide 70% of NATO’s total military capabilities by 2032. This will reduce their dependence on the United States.
• Iran Focus: Finding a middle ground on the Strait of Hormuz to keep Trump happy without starting a full war.

What Happens Next?

The NATO Trump tension is not going away. Trump continues to mix insults with claims that he is making NATO stronger. He recently posted on Truth Social: “NATO WASN’T THERE… REMEMBER GREENLAND.”

Survival for NATO means giving in to Trump’s financial demands. But with the shadow of the Iran war and Russia’s ongoing threat, keeping the alliance together will be harder than ever. A US NATO withdrawal is no longer just a wild threat—it is a real possibility.