US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker rejects claims of undermining the alliance, insisting Washington seeks a fairer burden-sharing model to guarantee global peace.

In a sharp rebuttal that has reverberated through the diplomatic corridors of Europe, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has dismissed accusations that Washington is intent on unravelling the trans-Atlantic alliance. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-3)Speaking in response to a critical report by the Munich Security Conference, Whitaker termed the claims "completely rejected," asserting that the United States is not abandoning its partners but is instead demanding a more robust and equitable contribution to collective security.

Reframing the Alliance

The controversy stems from a Munich Security Conference report warning that the liberal international order faces its gravest threat "from within," pointing a finger at a shift in US strategy. Whitaker, however, was categorical in his denial. "We’re trying to make NATO stronger, not to withdraw or reject NATO," he declared, framing the US position as a necessary pivot towards sustainability. The goal, he argued, is to ensure the alliance functions as intended: a coalition of 32 capable nations, rather than a structure overly reliant on American military might.

• The Burden Sharing Debate: Whitaker emphasized that the "balance" of defence spending must shift, pushing European allies to move beyond discussion and towards tangible action. "That strength is what guarantees the peace," he stated.
• Trade Tensions: Beyond security, the Ambassador highlighted frustrations with "unfair" trade arrangements, suggesting that Europe has long run a surplus at America's expense—a dynamic the current administration is keen to overhaul.

The Greenland Question

Pressed on the sensitive issue of Greenland, Whitaker maintained that US interest is strictly strategic. With China making aggressive moves to invest in the territory's ports and airports, he argued that Greenland—whether under Danish rule or independent—must be capable of defending itself against encroaching rivals. "These are real issues," he insisted, brushing aside diplomatic niceties to focus on the raw geopolitical reality of the Arctic.

As the Munich conference looms, Whitaker's comments signal a turbulent few days ahead. The message from Washington is clear: the alliance remains, but the terms of engagement are changing. Europe must now decide whether to view this as a threat to the old order or a wake-up call for a new, more self-reliant era.