President Donald Trump, flying to the Netherlands for a NATO summit, refused to commit to Article 5 — the agreement to collective defense among NATO countries — claiming there are multiple definitions of the agreement.
“Are you committed to Article 5 of NATO,” Trump was asked about the core tenet of the alliance.
“Depends on your definition. There’s numerous definitions of Article 5. You know that, right?” Trump claimed.
“But I’m committed to being their friends,” he added. “You know, I’ve become friends with many of those leaders, and I’m committed to helping them.”
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, June 24, 2025, in Washington.
Evan Vucci/AP
He was later asked to clarify those comments, given the eyebrows it’s sure to raise among other nations.
“Are you still committed to mutual defense?” he was asked.
“I’m committed to saving lives. I’m committed to life and safety, and I’m going to give you an exact definition when I get there. I just don’t want to do it on the back of an airplane.”
-ABC News’ Justin Gomez and Lalee Ibssa
