Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called Donald Trump’s statements that NATO “gives nothing” to his country utterly implausible. In his words, direct dialogue with the American leader is needed, because the region’s security depends on mutual understanding within the alliance.
On February 2, the head of government emphasized the importance of a personal conversation with the president. He stressed that 100 kilometers from the Norwegian border lies the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, and these forces are not directed against Norway, but against others. He also noted that his country is closely watching submarines.
“When I first met the president, I looked him in the eye and told him that, for the prime minister of Norway, it is important to speak face to face with the U.S. president: 100 kilometers from my border lies the world’s largest nuclear arsenal. And this is not directed at me, Mr. President, but at you. And it’s important that we monitor these submarines.”
– Jonas Gahr Støre
According to the head of government, Norway shares a border with Russia and has the ability to track the activity of its nuclear potential, which underscores the importance of cooperation within NATO and information sharing among allies.
“We know when they (submarines – ed.) come out of port. We know when they test their new weapons systems, and we share this with you (the United States – ed.), and we cooperate on monitoring this. And that is why I must begin to say that it sounds absolutely implausible when the American president says that everything is for NATO and NATO gives nothing in return. This is wrong.”
– Jonas Gahr Støre
Støre also stressed that collective security is the result of mutual interests, not charity. He emphasized that Norway relies on its NATO allies, since, in his words, the alliance is truly well focused on the North.
Despite Trump’s long-running criticisms of NATO, he repeatedly spoke about a possible shift in the United States’ position on Article 5. Also, in public statements in London about America’s defense policy in 2024, there was talk of preserving the United States’ role in the alliance, although some phrasing undermined the perception of NATO unity.
In 2024, Trump stated that he could support an idea to pressure alliance members who do not meet their agreed defense spending.
“I say: ‘You haven’t paid? You’re in violation?’ He said: ‘Yes, suppose that happened.’”
– Donald Trump
Later he added that he would not defend such countries, but, on the contrary, would encourage them to fulfill their obligations and pay their contributions, as this is a mandatory part of participating in the alliance.
“No, I would not defend you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever they want. You must pay.”
– Donald Trump
In February 2025, Trump said he supported NATO Article 5, but at the same time proposed reviewing its application. At the same time, the new U.S. National Defense Strategy reaffirmed the United States’ role in NATO and emphasized stability in the European theater of operations despite a shift in stance toward the region.
Context and implications for security in Europe
Discussion of defense spending and allies’ responses continues, as the region requires clear intergovernmental coordination. According to the Norwegian prime minister, NATO remains a key instrument of stability in Northern Europe, but its success depends on real engagement and mutual accountability among member countries.