Trending Now - European Leaders Reassess NATO Amid Trump's Controversial Remarks

WHO:

Alternet - President Trump referred to NATO as a "paper tiger" and called it "useless."

Alternet - Vladimir Putin has criticized NATO for years.

The Guardian - The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, questioned whether Trump would fulfill NATO commitments in the event of a Russian attack.

WHAT:

Alternet - Trump withdrew 5,000 U.S. soldiers from Germany.

The Guardian - European countries are developing a "Plan B" for security in case the U.S. is unwilling to defend them against Russia.

The Guardian - Germany issued its first military strategy since World War II, aiming to become the strongest conventional army in Europe by 2039.

The Guardian - EU ambassadors conducted a tabletop exercise to test the implementation of Article 42.7 of the EU treaty, which mandates mutual assistance.

WHERE:

Alternet - The actions and discussions are taking place in Europe, particularly involving NATO member states.

The Guardian - The tabletop exercise was held among EU ambassadors.

WHEN:

The Guardian - The next NATO summit is scheduled for July.

WHY:

Alternet - European leaders are concerned about the reliability of NATO under Trump’s leadership, particularly regarding Russian aggression.

The Guardian - Trump’s remarks and actions have led European leaders to rethink their security strategies due to uncertainty about U.S. military support.

HOW:

The Guardian - European countries are increasing their financial and political responsibility for supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

The Guardian - France is in talks with seven non-nuclear nations to extend its nuclear deterrent to cover European partners.

(UPDATED May 7, 2026 17:34 UTC)

President Trump has labeled NATO a "paper tiger" and deemed it "useless," prompting concerns among European leaders about the alliance's reliability, especially in light of his recent decision to withdraw 5,000 U.S. soldiers from Germany. In response to these developments, European countries are actively working on a "Plan B" for security and have even conducted a tabletop exercise among EU ambassadors to test mutual assistance protocols, while Germany is set to unveil its first military strategy since World War II, aiming to establish the strongest conventional army in Europe by 2039. As the next NATO summit approaches in July, discussions are intensifying about increasing European nations' financial and political responsibilities, including France's negotiations with seven non-nuclear countries to extend its nuclear deterrent to cover its partners.