A powerful, bipartisan assembly of eight former U.S. ambassadors to NATO and eight former supreme commanders in Europe has released a joint letter, emphatically stating that the NATO alliance is the very foundation of United States national security and absolutely essential for upholding American global interests. They call for Washington to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the alliance.
This distinguished group of signatories, spanning administrations from 1997 to last year, highlighted that NATO is no mere handout. Instead, they described it as a critical ‘force-multiplier’ that significantly boosts America’s ability to project power and influence worldwide. Such capabilities, they argued, would be either unachievable or far too costly if the U.S. were to act alone.
The letter’s release was strategically timed to coincide with the Munich Security Conference, an event overshadowed this year by deep concerns regarding President Trump’s stance on European security and the NATO alliance. These anxieties were heightened by his previous proposition to acquire Greenland from Denmark, a fellow NATO nation.
Officials from the Trump administration have consistently asserted America’s steadfast commitment to NATO, including its core principle of collective defense and the protective American nuclear umbrella. However, they have also stressed that European partners need to increase their contributions to conventional deterrence within Europe, especially as the United States focuses on new strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Mr. Trump often highlights his efforts in encouraging NATO allies to boost their defense spending.
Despite these assurances, skepticism about U.S. commitment remains widespread across Europe. This is particularly true given Mr. Trump’s apparent inclination to support Russia’s position in ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Ivo H. Daalder, one of the former ambassadors involved in organizing the letter, explained its motivation. He stated that with President Trump and other figures questioning NATO’s worth and the significant contributions of allies in regions like Afghanistan, it felt crucial to issue a clear, public affirmation of NATO’s vital importance to American security.
Furthermore, Daalder noted, the letter aims to reassure Europeans by emphasizing the deep and bipartisan support for NATO that continues to thrive within the United States.
Prominent Republican figures, including Kay Bailey Hutchinson, who served as NATO ambassador during Mr. Trump’s initial term, were among the signatories. The list also featured all NATO ambassadors who served under Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, highlighting its wide political appeal.
Notably, the former supreme commanders who signed the letter also included individuals who served during Mr. Trump’s first term in office.
The signatories strongly stressed that, in their collective opinion, the alliance directly benefits American interests. They pointed out that U.S. troops stationed in Europe are essential, serving as a launchpad for American military operations across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Beyond that, the letter underscored that NATO’s true strength comes from deploying non-U.S. resources to support crucial U.S. security objectives, such as safeguarding international trade routes.
Overall, the former officials contend that dismantling or replacing NATO would incur significant financial burdens and severely diminish American influence on the global stage. They characterize NATO as a ‘strategic bargain’ that, at a fraction of the cost of unilateral action, guarantees the United States maintains its position as the world’s leading power and an economically secure nation.