U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Friday that NATO would no longer be a concern for Russian President Vladimir Putin if the United States were to withdraw from the alliance. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized the critical role the U.S. plays in maintaining NATO’s influence, claiming, “President Putin will tell you that without the United States, he wouldn't be worried about NATO.”

Referencing recent conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of a ceasefire. He hinted that the parameters for a peace agreement might already exist, suggesting that behind-the-scenes diplomacy could be paving the way for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

In the same statement, Trump doubled down on his narrative of restoring NATO’s strength and finances. He proudly claimed credit for securing “hundreds of billions of dollars” from allied member nations during his term and reiterated that he had effectively “saved” the alliance from financial decline and strategic irrelevance.

“NATO is solid and strong,” Trump said, reinforcing his belief that U.S. leadership is the cornerstone of the alliance's global power and deterrent capabilities. The remarks underscore his long-standing critique of NATO’s structure and his insistence that other member states increase their financial contributions to meet mutual defense obligations.

Trump’s comments come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing debates about NATO's role in modern warfare. His claims about U.S. indispensability in the alliance may reignite discussions about transatlantic unity and the future of Western security frameworks in the face of Russian aggression and global uncertainty.