On the morning of Wednesday, November 6, European leaders watched Donald Trump’s landslide victory in the US presidential election. One of the main concerns across Europe is how the new US administration will treat NATO. NATO security under the Trump administration is uncertain. Britain is very concerned about how Trump will treat NATO. Former MI6 director John Sawers said Trump’s victory posed security challenges for the British government. The UK government hopes Trump will stick to America’s commitments to NATO. This article delves into the ramifications of Trump’s presidency for NATO, examining how his policies may affect European security dynamics, military spending, and crucial partnerships in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Ukraine and the threat posed by Russia.

Europe’s concern about the possible effects of Trump’s victory on international issues

Donald Trump’s victory in the 47th US presidential election has raised concerns for European NATO members on various issues, including defence spending and support for Ukraine. Before the US election, several European policymakers had expressed concerns about NATO security under the Trump administration. They were concerned about issues such as aid to Ukraine and the future of NATO. With Trump’s victory, several European officials quickly congratulated him and expressed their willingness to work with him. However, European officials stressed that they would protect European interests.

Trump’s criticism of NATO’s European members

Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO. Trump has complained that the US contributes too much to its budget while EU members spend less on defence. During his election campaign, he said the US would defend NATO members from a possible Russian attack only if they met their defence spending commitments. NATO estimates that 23 of the alliance’s 32 members will meet their goal of spending at least 2 per cent of their gross domestic product on defence this year. Only three countries had achieved this goal a decade ago. Part of the growth results from pressure from Trump during his previous presidency. The main reason for this was also Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

NATO chief reacts to Trump’s victory in the US election

NATO chief Mark Rutte praised the US president-elect in a message on X. He also stressed the importance of NATO security under the Trump administration. In more extended remarks, Rutte recalled the many challenges facing the alliance. He did not specifically mention Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “We face a growing number of challenges globally, from a more aggressive Russia to terrorism, to strategic competition with China, as well the increasing alignment of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran,” he said. Rutte also said that Trump would welcome a more robust, significant, and united NATO. Rutte is said to have done well in his previous meetings with Trump. Rutte enjoys a certain amount of respect in the eyes of the US president-elect.

Britain is concerned about Trump’s approach to NATO.

As Donald Trump’s presidency approaches in the United States, many countries are concerned about NATO security under the Trump administration. Britain worries about Trump’s position towards NATO, as with other European countries. Britain has little strategic depth, and its army has not been updated for long. There are also limited military personnel in the British army. Therefore, there is a lot of concern about the lack of US support for NATO. In an article referring to Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, John Sawers, the former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), considered this victory to have created security challenges for the UK government. According to Sawers’ article published in the Financial Times, no country is more concerned than Britain.

Britain’s position on NATO security under the Trump administration

The John Healey defence secretary said the US commitment to NATO remained through the previous Trump administration, and he has no reason to think that support will discontinue during his second term. He said: “I don’t expect the US to turn away from NATO.” Previously, former NATO Supreme Commander James Stavridis had made a wrong prediction about Trump’s coming to power. He had said that with the coming to power of the Trump administration and the fulfilment of his promise to end the war in Ukraine, the conflict would end with Moscow taking over 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory.

Britain expects Trump to continue NATO commitment.

British officials have said they do not expect Trump to abandon NATO. British Defense Secretary John Healey told Sky News about NATO security under the Trump administration: “They recognize the importance of the alliance; they recognize the importance of avoiding further conflict in Europe.” He also said that Trump has “rightly” pushed European countries to spend more on defence. Healey said he expects the United States to stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes to win under Trump. However, Healey also said the world should wait and see what Trump does about Ukraine.

Britain hopes for a strong commitment to NATO.

Britain hopes Trump will continue to stick to his NATO commitments. Healey said the US government’s commitment to NATO and European security will remain strong during Trump’s presidency. He added: “I do say, and I’ve argued for some time, that the European nations in NATO need to do more heavy lifting.” Trump has repeatedly stated that if he sits down with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the negotiating table, he will end the war between the two countries within 24 hours.

Britain’s security challenges following the possible US withdrawal from NATO

Britain does not have a strong army to face security threats. Therefore, Britain’s security is largely dependent on US support for NATO. On the other hand, Britain, along with the US, during the Biden presidency, have been the prominent supporters of Ukraine in the war with Russia. Britain has delivered all kinds of weapons to Ukraine for the war with Russia. If we weaken NATO, Ukraine will not be able to resist Russian aggression alone. After Ukraine’s defeat against Russia, Europe will be defenceless against the aggression of the Russian army. Britain has been the leading supporter of Ukraine and could be subjected to a massive Russian invasion in the following stages.

Britain’s apprehension about Trump’s policies towards NATO and Ukraine

Britain alone is not able to support Ukraine against Russia. Therefore, it is waiting for Trump to begin his presidency and determine his policies towards Ukraine and NATO. The possibility of Washington cutting off financial, military and political support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia has alarmed Kiev’s supporters. Trump’s stances on the Ukraine war and NATO have raised concerns among British officials about NATO security under the Trump administration. Trump repeatedly doubts the NATO alliance and its effectiveness for the United States. Britain wants Trump to continue supporting NATO.