President Trump is intensifying pressure on NATO allies, particularly over their reluctance to support U.S. military operations in Iran. According to Axios, the administration is now questioning why America should continue underwriting European defense if countries won't reciprocate militarily. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a six-month review to identify NATO members not paying their fair share—and the U.S. plans to reduce its military presence in those countries accordingly. The core grievance: nations like Italy, Spain, and France have denied the U.S. access to military bases for Iran operations, which Trump calls "a great logistical inconvenience." The tension goes beyond policy. Trump mocked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over a photo at the G7, broke the news of U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation before he could announce it himself, and praised adversaries like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin as "smart" and "great leaders"—a stark contrast to his dismissive tone toward allies. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte faces a crucial White House meeting Wednesday. Trump has previously suggested considering withdrawal from NATO entirely, calling it a "paper tiger." Rutte has a history of flattering the president, but experts say he'll need all his diplomatic skills for this confrontation.

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