America’s allies aren’t helping. We’re doing the lion’s share of the work.
Now a major general demanded the US leave NATO immediately
Kellogg Criticizes NATO Allies as Ineffective
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who has served as a U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, sharply questioned the reliability of NATO during a recent appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.”
Amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict with Iran and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, Kellogg argued that several NATO members have not provided meaningful support to U.S. objectives. He stated, “NATO’s turn[ing] [out] to be cowards,” reflecting frustration over the alliance’s response in both European and Middle Eastern contexts.
Call for a New Defensive Alliance Structure
Kellogg suggested it may be time to reconsider the current framework and explore alternatives.
He remarked, “Maybe we need to have a new NATO, a new [defensive establishment].” Pointing to Article 13 of the NATO treaty, which permits any member to withdraw after providing one year’s notice, he proposed redrawing defense alignments to focus on partners more willing to engage actively.
“Redraw the defense alignments we have, maybe create one with Japan and Australia and some of those European nations that are willing to go into the fight, like the new, reengaged Germany or Poland, as well. Even Ukraine, which has proven to be a good ally as well,” Kellogg said.
His comments come against the backdrop of President Trump’s public warnings to NATO allies and broader discussions about U.S. burden-sharing in international security matters.
Broader Concerns Echoed by Former Officials
Other former Trump administration figures on the panel shared similar assessments. Former Deputy National Security Advisor Victoria Coates described NATO as “inconsequential,” noting its struggles with major conflicts: “They can’t deal with the biggest war in Europe since World War II. On their own continent, they haven’t been able to deal with it. So, I don’t think we really need them in the Middle East. It would have been nice to have their support. But what President Trump has demonstrated is what the United States can do with a truly motivated ally like [Israel].”
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed disappointment, calling the situation “heartbreaking” and advocating for a fundamental review of alliances.
“I’ve been someone who believed NATO was a very important set of allies for decades,” he said, while criticizing some allies as “feckless” for failing to rally domestic support for joint actions. He added that there will need to be “a fundamental rethinking about how it is the United States makes sure we figure out exactly [who our allies are] and what we can depend on them for.”
These statements highlight ongoing debates about the future of transatlantic security cooperation, the balance of contributions among allies, and potential shifts toward more flexible or selective partnerships in an evolving global security environment.
The discussion reflects differing views on how best to ensure effective collective defense moving forward.
