Donald Trump spoke extensively about NATO in his long speech at Davos. He emphasized his theory that the United States „are treated very unfairly by NATO.”
„We give so much and get so little in return. You wouldn’t have NATO if it wasn’t for me. They don’t appreciate what we do. I’m talking about NATO and Europe,” said the White House leader.
He also turned his attention to the war in Ukraine, stating that NATO will help stop the conflict.
Trump declared that he will support Europe and NATO in this regard, and all he asks in return is a "piece of ice," clearly referring to Greenland.
He described his request as a "small gift" compared to what the US has provided to NATO and emphasized that the United States will stand by NATO 100%, but he is not sure if the allies will "return the favor."
However, Donald Trump's claim that the United States has gained "nothing" from NATO, apart from the alliance's role during the Cold War, is misleading, according to BBC.
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Article 5 was invoked for the first time in NATO, which states that an attack on a member state is considered an attack on all members.
This measure triggered widespread support, including airborne warning and surveillance patrols over the US, marking the first use of NATO military resources in this way.
Moreover, several NATO member countries – including Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom – sent troops as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to Afghanistan.
Among those who came to the aid of the US was Denmark, a country that recorded one of the highest loss rates per population among NATO allies, with Danish troops deployed in very dangerous areas, alongside British troops, in the Helmand province.