On March 27 local time, Trump praised his Middle Eastern allies while disparaging NATO. In his speech, he said: "If a major earthquake occurs, I can guarantee NATO won't be there. I want to thank the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You are very helpful, unlike NATO. I must say, Bahrain and Kuwait have stepped up more than NATO."
Trump's remarks on March 27—praising Middle Eastern allies and belittling NATO—were not spontaneous; rather, they represent an emotional outburst following America’s recent experience of receiving little support during tensions with Iran, marking a statement strongly tinged with transactional logic.
This is essentially Trump publicly "reprimanding" European allies while handing out accolades to Middle Eastern nations that align with U.S. interests. At its core, it reflects an effort to reshape the alliance system and compel all parties to serve American strategic interests.
Trump’s move amounts to ranking global allies: Middle Eastern countries that comply and contribute are elevated as "guests of honor," while NATO European nations refusing to cooperate are relegated to the role of "bystanders." This signals a shift in U.S. posture—from being a leader in collective defense to becoming a demanding investor seeking immediate returns. For traditional European allies long accustomed to American protection, this is a deeply alarming signal.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860859341972492/
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