President Donald Trump's administration is developing a plan to classify NATO countries by level of loyalty and contribution to the alliance, considering consequences for allies that refuse to support US action against Iran, three European diplomats and a US defense official reported, quoted by "Politico".
The draft was prepared ahead of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's visit to Washington this month and envisages rating member states according to their commitment to collective defense and their support for the US.
The idea follows a position outlined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in December. "Model allies that are stepping up, like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltic states and others, will receive our special support," he said. "Allies that still fail to do their part for collective defense will face consequences."
The White House has not yet specified specific measures, according to the sources, but options under discussion include redeploying U.S. troops, limiting joint exercises and arms sales to countries perceived as "bad" allies in favor of "good".
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said: "While the United States has always stood by our so-called allies, the countries we defend with thousands of troops have not stood by us during Operation Epic Fury." She added that Trump considers this situation unfair and "the United States will remember." It is unclear which countries fall into the different categories. Diplomats say Poland and Romania could benefit from a possible transfer of US forces because they maintain close relations with Washington and are increasing their defense spending. Bulgaria has also assisted US logistics in the Middle East. Spain is already at odds with the Trump administration after rejecting NATO's 5% defense spending target. The Baltic states and Poland have been praised for their high military budgets. The idea is also facing resistance in Congress. Senator Roger Wicker warned: "It is not helpful when American leaders speak of our alliances with derision."