NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump remains fully committed to the alliance’s core principle of collective defense, outlined in Article Five. This provision binds all NATO members to defend one another in case of an attack. “Article Five, he has not undercut. He has committed to NATO, he has committed to Article Five,” Rutte said during an interview with Agence France-Presse.

Rutte’s remarks addressed concerns stemming from Trump’s earlier warnings that the United States may not defend NATO countries that fail to meet their defense spending obligations. Trump has insisted that member states must invest adequately in defense, stating, “If they don’t pay, the U.S. won’t defend.” Despite these comments, Rutte clarified that Trump’s approach does not undermine the alliance’s foundational commitments.

Additionally, Rutte commented on the Trump administration’s evolving strategic focus, particularly its consideration of shifting certain U.S. forces away from Europe to address emerging threats in Asia. He noted that the strategy is not indicative of a U.S. withdrawal from NATO or Europe. “The U.S. agenda is not to leave Europe or NATO,” Rutte said, “but to pivot more towards Asia.”

Highlighting continued U.S. engagement, Rutte assured that there will remain both nuclear and conventional military forces stationed in Europe. This reaffirmation comes as part of broader efforts to balance transatlantic security responsibilities while responding to growing geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly those related to China.

The Secretary General’s comments are aimed at easing tensions and reaffirming NATO unity amid evolving global threats and debates over burden-sharing among allies. As discussions continue within the alliance, Rutte’s statements highlight a consistent U.S. role in European defense, even as strategic interests expand eastward.