German foreign minister voices concern over Trump’s NATO remarks

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Friday expressed concern over recent remarks by US President Donald Trump about a possible withdrawal from NATO, while voicing confidence the alliance would endure.

"Of course, such statements worry me," Wadephul told newspapers published by the Funke media group. He added that he believes strong European support for NATO could help avert such a move. "I believe that our clear commitment and our firm support for the alliance will convince the US to continue writing this success story together."

Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have recently questioned continued US membership in NATO. In an interview with the British newspaper The Telegraph, Trump said US membership may need to be reconsidered after the war with Iran, expressing frustration that some NATO members do not support the US and Israel's campaign.

Wadephul said NATO remains "of enormous importance for the security of the Federal Republic of Germany, just as it is for the security of all alliance partners."

He added that the alliance is stronger than ever, citing the addition of Sweden and Finland and increased European defense spending commitments. "We should not call any of this into question, but rather build on our successes," he said.

Wadephul also noted that a US withdrawal from NATO would require Senate approval. Trump's remarks have drawn bipartisan criticism in Washington. In a joint statement, Democratic Sen. Chris Coons and Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell said the Senate would continue to support the alliance, adding that NATO provides security for the US, Europe and the wider world.

Separately, Green Party co-leader Franziska Brantner sharply criticized Trump's stance on Iran and NATO, saying she no longer views the United States under his leadership as a reliable partner.

"Anyone who openly fantasizes about bombing a country 'back to the Stone Age' makes it clear that they stand outside a responsible international order," she told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.

She added that recent rhetoric toward NATO allies shows the US "is no longer a partner -- it is a risk factor," accusing Trump of damaging transatlantic ties.