NATO on Brink of Collapse: Stoltenberg Reacts to Trump’s Warning
NATO Prepared for Trump Presidency After Unexpected 2016 Victory
Initial Concerns Following the Election
In 2016,J. Stoltenberg, then the head of NATO, anticipated a victory for Hillary Clinton in the US presidential election. However, Donald Trump’s win caused Stoltenberg some anxiety, as Trump had frequently criticized NATO during his campaign, according to a report from November 2, 2025.
establishing Working Relations
Recognizing the need to maintain a strong transatlantic alliance, Stoltenberg quickly decided that NATO should establish working relations with the incoming Trump administration. To foster a professional environment, he instructed NATO staff to refrain from making jokes about Trump.