Donald Trump, insulting statements about NATO allies: "I never needed them... They will say they sent some troops to Afghanistan... and they did, they stayed a little further back, a little away from the front line"

In an interview on Fox News, President Donald Trump stated that the support of NATO allies in the campaign in Afghanistan was useless, claiming that their troops stayed away from the front lines. Trump emphasized that the only time the NATO mutual defense clause was activated was after the attacks on September 11, 2001. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the willingness of the 31 allies to help the U.S. in case of an attack, questioning whether NATO will pass the "ultimate test" of defense. Trump mentioned that, although the U.S. has been generous with European allies, there must be reciprocity. In the context of losses in Afghanistan, he highlighted that 3,486 NATO soldiers died in the conflict, of which 2,461 were Americans.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte responded to Trump's comments, assuring him that allies will defend the United States, considering the sacrifices made in Afghanistan. Additionally, Romania's Foreign Minister, Oana Ţoiu, reminded that Romania responded to the U.S. call after the September 11 attack, participating in missions in Afghanistan and losing 27 soldiers in combat actions.