Trump-Rutte Talks: NATO's Future at Stake

0:00On April 2, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte heads to Washington next week for key meetings with President Donald Trump. This planned visit hits right as the Trump team debates whether America should stay in the nearly 80-year-old alliance. Tension spiked up to clashes with European allies over their soft stance on growing Iran threats. Trump pushed for joint action with Israel, but NATO held back on aggressive steps like reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's frustration boils over from allies dodging U.S.-led strikes and skimping on defense cash. Many still miss the 2% spending goal he demands, making him question NATO's bang for America's buck. Rutte stands out though. Trump sees him as a pragmatic player whose boosted Dutch spending and kept lines open from the first term. Their personal vibe could ease the strain. Trump's prime time speech tonight will spotlight these rifts, priming the talks and showing if NATO's future hangs in the balance. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to U.S. News Today, AI-powered National