**US Remains Active in NATO, Secretary of State Says**
The United States remains a strong and active member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on April 3. This statement comes as NATO foreign ministers meet in Brussels.
Rubio said that President Donald Trump has made it clear he supports NATO, and the US will continue to be involved with the alliance. He also emphasized the importance of each member country contributing their fair share to defense needs. The goal is for all members to spend 5% of their GDP on defense.
**NATO’s Strength Depends on Member Countries**
Rubio stated that NATO’s strength depends on its member countries being capable and committed to the alliance’s goals. He used Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022 as an example, saying that the conflict shows how important it is for NATO members to have strong defense capabilities.
**Russia Remains a Threat**
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Russia will remain a threat to the alliance “for many years to come.” This warning comes even if a peace deal is reached in Ukraine.
**US Focus Shifts from Europe to Indo-Pacific Region**
Despite the US commitment to NATO, Trump’s administration has been shifting its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific region. The US has also pushed for the annexation of Greenland from Denmark, another NATO member country.
**Some US Lawmakers Want to Leave NATO**
Not all US lawmakers support NATO membership. Some, like Republican Mike Lee and Thomas Massi, have called for the US to leave the alliance. Additionally, Trump’s close ally Elon Musk has expressed similar views.
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