President Trump publicly reversed his stance on the importance of NATO at a press conference on Wednesday with the organization’s top civilian leader.
Touting a productive sit-down meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the president said he no longer views the Western military alliance as “obsolete.”
“The secretary general and I had a productive discussion about what more NATO can do in the fight against terrorism,” Trump said. “I complained about that a long time ago and they made a change, and now they do fight terrorism. I said it was obsolete. It’s no longer obsolete,” Trump said, walking back a statement that caused significant controversy during his presidential campaign.
During his remarks at the White House, Stoltenberg pointed out the organization’s role in combating terror. “Our mission in Afghanistan is a major contribution to the fight against international terrorism,” Stoltenberg said.
Trump said: “It’s my hope that NATO will take on an increased role in supporting our Iraqi partners in their battle against ISIS.”
“We must also ensure that NATO members meet their financial obligations and pay what they owe,” the president said. “Many have not been doing that. The secretary general and I agree that other member nations must satisfy their responsibility to contribute 2 percent of GDP to defense. If other countries pair their fair share instead of relying on the United States to make up the difference, we will all be much more secure. And our partnership will be made that much stronger.”
The president’s meeting with Stoltenberg comes shortly before both men are set to attend a NATO summit in Brussels next month. Trump said he looks forward to visiting Brussels, where NATO is headquartered.
Stoltenberg told Trump during the press conference: “It’s really an honor to meet you for the first time here in the White House. We agree that NATO is bedrock of security, both for Europe and for the United States.”
“Two world wars and a cold war have told us all that peace in Europe is not only important for Europeans but also important for the prosperity and the security of North America,” he said. “So a strong NATO is good for Europe, but the strong NATO is also good for the United States.”
