LONDON — President Trump has said he is strongly considering pulling the U.S. out of NATO, ratcheting up his criticism of European allies and exposing a wider rift in the transatlantic alliance — this time over America’s war alongside Israel against Iran.
While Trump’s talk of a possible NATO pullout dates back years, the comments to Britain’s Telegraph newspaper, published Wednesday, were among the clearest and most disparaging yet — suggesting the fracture has deepened perhaps to a point of no return.
Asked whether he would reconsider U.S. membership in the alliance after the war on Iran ends, Trump replied: “Oh yes, I would say (it’s) beyond reconsideration.”
Contacted by The Associated Press, NATO did not provide an immediate comment.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asked about the comment, said Britain was “fully committed to NATO” and called it “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen.”
Many European leaders have felt political pressure over the war, which faces opposition in their countries and has sent petroleum prices soaring as Iran has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.
“Whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, I am going to act in the British national interest in all the decisions I make,” Starmer said Wednesday.
Long-simmering tensions within the alliance have bubbled up again over the war. As energy prices have spiked, Trump has been desperate to get countries to send their ships to the Strait. He’s called his NATO allies “cowards,” pulling at any rhetorical lever he can to get help with the fallout of a war that no ally was consulted on or asked to take part in.
For years, Trump has berated America’s European allies, urging them to assume greater responsibility for their own security and spend more on defense. He has argued that the U.S. has done more for them than the other way around.
A U.S. pullout would essentially spell the end of NATO, which flourished for decades under American leadership.
On Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump lashed out at countries “like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran,” and suggested they buy U.S. oil or go to the Strait of Hormuz themselves “and just take it.”
He also wants allies to help fix damage from the war that they had no part in starting.
The U.K. is working on plans that could help assuage Trump.
On Thursday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host a virtual meeting of 35 countries that have signed up to help ensure security for shipping in the Strait after the war. Starmer said military planners will also work on a postwar security plan for the strait.
The backdrop: NATO not on board to join U.S. in war
NATO is built on Article 5 of its founding treaty, which pledges that an attack on any one member will be met with a response from them all.
As the Iran war has spread, missiles and drones have been fired toward NATO member Turkey and a British military base on Cyprus, fueling speculation about what might prompt NATO to trigger its collective security guarantee and come to their rescue.
The alliance has not intervened or signaled any plan to. Secretary-General Mark Rutte — who has voiced support for Trump and America’s role in the alliance — has been focusing mostly on Russia’s war against Ukraine, which borders four NATO countries.
NATO operates uniquely by consensus. All 32 countries must agree for it to take decisions, so political priorities play a role. Even invoking Article 5 requires agreement among the allies. Turkey or the U.K. cannot trigger it alone.
In the Mideast war, Trump has bristled at the across-the-board rejection from European and other allies, and even rival China, to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Many European Union and NATO member country leaders have fumed since the war’s outset on Feb. 28 because they weren’t informed ahead of time, seen as a break with precedent.
Trump insisted he needed the element of surprise, and he spoke out about possible military action and visibly built up U.S. forces in the region in the run-up to the war.
Rising voices, and tougher action, from Europe over the Mideast war
European leaders have called for the war to stop and want the United States and Iran to return to negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, which America and Israel see as a threat.
The vocal opposition in Europe to Trump’s war against Iran has started to turn into action.
Spain — the most vocal critic in Europe — on Monday said it closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in the Iran war.
Early last month, France agreed to let the U.S. Air Force use a base in southern France after receiving a “full guarantee” from the United States that planes not involved in carrying out strikes against Iran would land there.
Other countries have spoken out against it: Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany’s largely ceremonial president, last week called the aggression against Iran a “dangerous mistake” in violation of international law.
U.S. relations with Europe had already soured in recent months over Trump’s call for Greenland — a semiautonomous territory of stalwart NATO ally Denmark — to become part of the United States, prompting many EU countries to rally behind Copenhagen.
Lawless and Keaten write for the Associated Press. Keaten reported from Geneva. AP writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.
IT’S being billed as a huge tribute concert to Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, who died in November.
But I’m told the “Manichester” event in honour of the Stone Roses bassist, organised by his brother Greg, has caused a rift in the family.
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A gig honouring Stone Roses bassist Mani is causing a rift among his family membersCredit: GettyThe Stone Roses in July 1990 L-R Reni, Mani (top) Ian Brown (bottom) John SquireCredit: Getty
The concert will see musicians including Zak Starkey, Baz Fratelli from The Fratellis, John Mcclure from Reverend And The Makers and Simone Butler from Primal Scream come together at Manchester’s Diecast in May.
Cast are also lined up to perform, along with Mick Rossi from Slaughter & The Dogs and Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim.
But while the concert was believed to have the full support of Mani’s family, which includes his twin sons Gene and George, insiders say not everyone is in agreement.
A source said: “Mani’s legacy and celebrating that is so important to so many people.
“But not everyone related to him is happy about this concert.
“Even his young son Gene has voiced his concerns on social media.
“It is all very messy and is spilling over into the public domain.
“This is not what Mani would have wanted. His twin boys were everything to him.”
Mani died at home in Manchester in November aged 63Credit: GettyMani was best known for his work with Stone Roses and Primal ScreamCredit: Getty
Greg confirmed earlier this month that he was organising the tribute concert, and said there were hopes of snaring Noel and Liam Gallagher to perform, as well as Johnny Marr.
He said: “I think it will be brilliant.
“With the names already in the hat, and the names we’re yet to announce, it’s a worthy thing, a tribute to our kid, a Mancunian legend, and I know he’d love it.
“He would be absolutely buzzing about it.”
Mani, who was best known for his work with Stone Roses and Primal Scream, died at home in Manchester aged 63.
Noel and Liam made an on-stage dedication to him during their Oasis ’25 Live reunion tour, while rock icons including Stone Roses singer Ian Brown turned out to pay their respects at his funeral.
As a fan of Mani, I hope this can be resolved quickly and without further upset.
LITTLE BRIT OF FAMILY TIME
BRITNEY SPEARS is being supported by her sons following her arrest for driving under the influence – and it’s about time too.
For years, the Circus singer was deserted by her boys – who she has with ex-husband Kevin Federline.
Britney Spears has been spending time with her two sons, Sean Preston and JaydenCredit: Instagram
But it seems they are back in her life and bringing a smile to her face.
She shared a video on Instagram on a boat with Sean and Jayden, during a getaway, including a shot of them smiling together.
Britney wrote: “Thank you guys for all your support… Spending time with family and friends is such a blessing!”
AITCH FIZZES MUSIC
HE was flying high after his stint in I’m A Celebrity last year.
But now Aitch is facing another trial, and it could be just as gruesome.
Aitch is embroiled in a legal row over his Syps drinks brand with two former directors of the companyCredit: Splash
I’m told the Strike Me A Pose rapper is embroiled in a legal row over his Syps drinks brand with two former directors of the company.
Aitch, real name Harrison Armstrong, created Syps back in 2023 with businessmen David Olusegun and Alexander El-Nemer – with the trio proudly showing off their fizzy, flavoured water at events across the UK.
But I’m told that partnership is now well and truly over, with David and Alexander resigning as directors.
A source said: “Harrison has fallen out with David and Alexander and it seems there is no going back.
“They’re in a full-blown legal dispute and it’s all in the hands of their lawyers.
“The three created the brand together so it could get messy.
“Harrison is still working on the brand and is running things with his manager.
“How quickly this is going to get resolved is the question. One thing is for sure though, Harrison wants it dealt with so he can move on.”
TAMER ROLE FOR HARDMAN ACTOR
TAMER HASSAN is swapping punch-ups for pull-ons after landing a major new deal with sportswear giant Reebok.
The hardman actor has filmed an advert for a bold campaign inspired by Robin Hood, of all people.
Tamer Hassan has landed a major new deal with sportswear giant ReebokCredit: Splash
It sees Tamer playing a cheeky “friendly villain” who nicks sports kits before handing them out to kids.
He is joined by UK rapper K-Trap, and starry cameos from Gary Oldman, Laila Morse and Lisa Maffia.
An insider said: “Tamer is genuinely thrilled to be part of something revitalised and forward-thinking.
“Reebok is part of the culture, and seeing it evolve with fresh energy in 2026 makes this really exciting.”
The retro-style campaign is also a nod to 2005 British crime flick The Business, which starred Tamer alongside Danny Dyer.
Filmed at a secret North London location, the advert is set to drop later this month and marks the start of a huge year for the actor.
He’s gearing up for the premiere of Rise Of The Footsoldier: Retribution at Cannes in May, ahead of its UK cinema release this summer.
From the big screen to the high street, it sounds like Tamer has a lot going for him right now.
TEARY NIGHT FOR ELLIE’S WOLF PACK
WOLF ALICE had an emotional night headlining the final evening of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s concert series – with frontwoman Ellie Rowsell breaking down in tears.
The group debuted two new songs, Hit The Sky and Gospel Oak, and towards the end of the latter, her voice broke and she became teary.
She asked the band to restart the track from the beginning of the final verse and was then hugged by guitarist Joff Oddie and bassist Theo Ellis.
Later, Theo admitted that performing in London’s Royal Albert Hall for the charity concert was making him emotional, too.
He said: “These are my best friends. It’s unbearable how much I want to cry all the time in this gaff.”
They deservedly picked up the British Group gong at the Brit Awards last month following the success of their fourth studio album, The Clearing – one of the best British albums of 2025.
If you’re yet to see them, make sure you make it to one of the festivals they’re playing across the UK this summer.
BENSON SWOON
BENSON BOONE got his fans hot under the collar while cooking up this tour announcement.
He whipped off his top, cracked eggs with his biceps and showed off his rippling muscles as he added ingredients to a bowl while baking a cake.
Benson Boone stripped off for his new tour announcementCredit: instagram/bensonbooneIn the video Benson cracked eggs with his bicepsCredit: instagram/bensonbooneBenson made a cake in the videoCredit: instagram/bensonboone
It was eventually topped with the poster for his new Wanted Man tour.
I have to applaud him for the sexy and hilarious snippet posted on Instagram, but it’s a sea change from 12 months ago when he told Rolling Stone magazine that he didn’t want to rely on his body to sell shows.
He told the mag: “I definitely remember there was a time where I would take my shirt off because I didn’t know what else to do.
“I don’t want to rely on my physical form to be the primary driver of my shows.”
It’s a good job he’s had a fair few hits.
Benson previously told Rolling Stone magazine that he didn’t want to rely on his body to sell showsCredit: instagram/bensonbooneBenson’s new tour is called Wanted ManCredit: instagram/bensonboone
YOU BOOTY, KATYA
STRICTLY’S Katya Jones looked the part – and had the footwear to match – when she strutted in to watch the opening night of musical Kinky Boots.
And she was in for a real treat.
Katya Jones at the opening night of musical Kinky BootsCredit: GettyJohannes Radebe stars in the musicalCredit: Getty
With glitter, tinsel, red leather and high heels, this latest production of the hit show is a dazzling spectacle, the likes of which the West End has rarely seen.
Fellow Strictly star Johannes Radebe is mind-blowing as drag queen Lola, above, proving his singing voice and stage charisma are almost as brilliant as his dancing.
But playing the perfect straight man is X Factor winner Matt Cardle as Charlie Price, who inherits his father’s ailing shoe factory in Northampton and comes up with a plan to save it by making footwear for Lola and her fellow artistes.
Fun, feel-good and unforgettable, everyone should try these Kinky Boots for size.
Transatlantic rift widens as Trump lashes out at NATO allies over unpopular Mideast war
LONDON — President Trump has said he is strongly considering pulling the U.S. out of NATO, ratcheting up his criticism of European allies and exposing a wider rift in the transatlantic alliance — this time over America’s war alongside Israel against Iran.
While Trump’s talk of a possible NATO pullout dates back years, the comments to Britain’s Telegraph newspaper, published Wednesday, were among the clearest and most disparaging yet — suggesting the fracture has deepened perhaps to a point of no return.
Asked whether he would reconsider U.S. membership in the alliance after the war on Iran ends, Trump replied: “Oh yes, I would say (it’s) beyond reconsideration.”
Contacted by The Associated Press, NATO did not provide an immediate comment.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asked about the comment, said Britain was “fully committed to NATO” and called it “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen.”
Many European leaders have felt political pressure over the war, which faces opposition in their countries and has sent petroleum prices soaring as Iran has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.
“Whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, I am going to act in the British national interest in all the decisions I make,” Starmer said Wednesday.
Long-simmering tensions within the alliance have bubbled up again over the war. As energy prices have spiked, Trump has been desperate to get countries to send their ships to the Strait. He’s called his NATO allies “cowards,” pulling at any rhetorical lever he can to get help with the fallout of a war that no ally was consulted on or asked to take part in.
For years, Trump has berated America’s European allies, urging them to assume greater responsibility for their own security and spend more on defense. He has argued that the U.S. has done more for them than the other way around.
A U.S. pullout would essentially spell the end of NATO, which flourished for decades under American leadership.
On Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump lashed out at countries “like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran,” and suggested they buy U.S. oil or go to the Strait of Hormuz themselves “and just take it.”
He also wants allies to help fix damage from the war that they had no part in starting.
The U.K. is working on plans that could help assuage Trump.
On Thursday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host a virtual meeting of 35 countries that have signed up to help ensure security for shipping in the Strait after the war. Starmer said military planners will also work on a postwar security plan for the strait.
The backdrop: NATO not on board to join U.S. in war
NATO is built on Article 5 of its founding treaty, which pledges that an attack on any one member will be met with a response from them all.
As the Iran war has spread, missiles and drones have been fired toward NATO member Turkey and a British military base on Cyprus, fueling speculation about what might prompt NATO to trigger its collective security guarantee and come to their rescue.
The alliance has not intervened or signaled any plan to. Secretary-General Mark Rutte — who has voiced support for Trump and America’s role in the alliance — has been focusing mostly on Russia’s war against Ukraine, which borders four NATO countries.
NATO operates uniquely by consensus. All 32 countries must agree for it to take decisions, so political priorities play a role. Even invoking Article 5 requires agreement among the allies. Turkey or the U.K. cannot trigger it alone.
In the Mideast war, Trump has bristled at the across-the-board rejection from European and other allies, and even rival China, to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Many European Union and NATO member country leaders have fumed since the war’s outset on Feb. 28 because they weren’t informed ahead of time, seen as a break with precedent.
Trump insisted he needed the element of surprise, and he spoke out about possible military action and visibly built up U.S. forces in the region in the run-up to the war.
Rising voices, and tougher action, from Europe over the Mideast war
European leaders have called for the war to stop and want the United States and Iran to return to negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, which America and Israel see as a threat.
The vocal opposition in Europe to Trump’s war against Iran has started to turn into action.
Spain — the most vocal critic in Europe — on Monday said it closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in the Iran war.
Early last month, France agreed to let the U.S. Air Force use a base in southern France after receiving a “full guarantee” from the United States that planes not involved in carrying out strikes against Iran would land there.
Other countries have spoken out against it: Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany’s largely ceremonial president, last week called the aggression against Iran a “dangerous mistake” in violation of international law.
U.S. relations with Europe had already soured in recent months over Trump’s call for Greenland — a semiautonomous territory of stalwart NATO ally Denmark — to become part of the United States, prompting many EU countries to rally behind Copenhagen.
Lawless and Keaten write for the Associated Press. Keaten reported from Geneva. AP writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.
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Stone Roses legend Mani’s son Gene slams tribute gig to late bassist as his uncle’s plans for show cause family rift
IT’S being billed as a huge tribute concert to Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, who died in November.
But I’m told the “Manichester” event in honour of the Stone Roses bassist, organised by his brother Greg, has caused a rift in the family.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
The concert will see musicians including Zak Starkey, Baz Fratelli from The Fratellis, John Mcclure from Reverend And The Makers and Simone Butler from Primal Scream come together at Manchester’s Diecast in May.
Cast are also lined up to perform, along with Mick Rossi from Slaughter & The Dogs and Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim.
But while the concert was believed to have the full support of Mani’s family, which includes his twin sons Gene and George, insiders say not everyone is in agreement.
A source said: “Mani’s legacy and celebrating that is so important to so many people.
MANI UNITED
Gallagher brothers and Stone Roses to unite for incredible tribute concert
TICKET ROW
Happy Mondays star slams Brit Awards claiming Mani’s sons ‘couldn’t get tickets’
“But not everyone related to him is happy about this concert.
“Even his young son Gene has voiced his concerns on social media.
“It is all very messy and is spilling over into the public domain.
“This is not what Mani would have wanted. His twin boys were everything to him.”
Greg confirmed earlier this month that he was organising the tribute concert, and said there were hopes of snaring Noel and Liam Gallagher to perform, as well as Johnny Marr.
He said: “I think it will be brilliant.
“With the names already in the hat, and the names we’re yet to announce, it’s a worthy thing, a tribute to our kid, a Mancunian legend, and I know he’d love it.
“He would be absolutely buzzing about it.”
Mani, who was best known for his work with Stone Roses and Primal Scream, died at home in Manchester aged 63.
Noel and Liam made an on-stage dedication to him during their Oasis ’25 Live reunion tour, while rock icons including Stone Roses singer Ian Brown turned out to pay their respects at his funeral.
As a fan of Mani, I hope this can be resolved quickly and without further upset.
LITTLE BRIT OF FAMILY TIME
BRITNEY SPEARS is being supported by her sons following her arrest for driving under the influence – and it’s about time too.
For years, the Circus singer was deserted by her boys – who she has with ex-husband Kevin Federline.
But it seems they are back in her life and bringing a smile to her face.
She shared a video on Instagram on a boat with Sean and Jayden, during a getaway, including a shot of them smiling together.
Britney wrote: “Thank you guys for all your support… Spending time with family and friends is such a blessing!”
AITCH FIZZES MUSIC
HE was flying high after his stint in I’m A Celebrity last year.
But now Aitch is facing another trial, and it could be just as gruesome.
I’m told the Strike Me A Pose rapper is embroiled in a legal row over his Syps drinks brand with two former directors of the company.
Aitch, real name Harrison Armstrong, created Syps back in 2023 with businessmen David Olusegun and Alexander El-Nemer – with the trio proudly showing off their fizzy, flavoured water at events across the UK.
But I’m told that partnership is now well and truly over, with David and Alexander resigning as directors.
A source said: “Harrison has fallen out with David and Alexander and it seems there is no going back.
“They’re in a full-blown legal dispute and it’s all in the hands of their lawyers.
“The three created the brand together so it could get messy.
“Harrison is still working on the brand and is running things with his manager.
“How quickly this is going to get resolved is the question. One thing is for sure though, Harrison wants it dealt with so he can move on.”
TAMER ROLE FOR HARDMAN ACTOR
TAMER HASSAN is swapping punch-ups for pull-ons after landing a major new deal with sportswear giant Reebok.
The hardman actor has filmed an advert for a bold campaign inspired by Robin Hood, of all people.
It sees Tamer playing a cheeky “friendly villain” who nicks sports kits before handing them out to kids.
He is joined by UK rapper K-Trap, and starry cameos from
Gary Oldman, Laila Morse and Lisa Maffia.
An insider said: “Tamer is genuinely thrilled to be part of something revitalised and forward-thinking.
“Reebok is part of the culture, and seeing it evolve with fresh energy in 2026 makes this really exciting.”
The retro-style campaign is also a nod to 2005 British crime flick The Business, which starred Tamer alongside Danny Dyer.
Filmed at a secret North London location, the advert is set to drop later this month and marks the start of a huge year for the actor.
He’s gearing up for the premiere of Rise Of The Footsoldier: Retribution at Cannes in May, ahead of its UK cinema release this summer.
From the big screen to the high street, it sounds like Tamer has a lot going for him right now.
TEARY NIGHT FOR ELLIE’S WOLF PACK
WOLF ALICE had an emotional night headlining the final evening of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s concert series – with frontwoman Ellie Rowsell breaking down in tears.
The group debuted two new songs, Hit The Sky and Gospel Oak, and towards the end of the latter, her voice broke and she became teary.
She asked the band to restart the track from the beginning of the final verse and was then hugged by guitarist Joff Oddie and bassist Theo Ellis.
Later, Theo admitted that performing in London’s Royal Albert Hall for the charity concert was making him emotional, too.
He said: “These are my best friends. It’s unbearable how much I want to cry all the time in this gaff.”
They deservedly picked up the British Group gong at the Brit Awards last month following the success of their fourth studio album, The Clearing – one of the best British albums of 2025.
If you’re yet to see them, make sure you make it to one of the festivals they’re playing across the UK this summer.
BENSON SWOON
BENSON BOONE got his fans hot under the collar while cooking up this tour announcement.
He whipped off his top, cracked eggs with his biceps and showed off his rippling muscles as he added ingredients to a bowl while baking a cake.
It was eventually topped with the poster for his new Wanted Man tour.
I have to applaud him for the sexy and hilarious snippet posted on Instagram, but it’s a sea change from 12 months ago when he told Rolling Stone magazine that he didn’t want to rely on his body to sell shows.
He told the mag: “I definitely remember there was a time where I would take my shirt off because I didn’t know what else to do.
“I don’t want to rely on my physical form to be the primary driver of my shows.”
It’s a good job he’s had a fair few hits.
YOU BOOTY, KATYA
STRICTLY’S Katya Jones looked the part – and had the footwear to match – when she strutted in to watch the opening night of musical Kinky Boots.
And she was in for a real treat.
With glitter, tinsel, red leather and high heels, this latest production of the hit show is a dazzling spectacle, the likes of which the West End has rarely seen.
Fellow Strictly star Johannes Radebe is mind-blowing as drag queen Lola, above, proving his singing voice and stage charisma are almost as brilliant as his dancing.
But playing the perfect straight man is X Factor winner Matt Cardle as Charlie Price, who inherits his father’s ailing shoe factory in Northampton and comes up with a plan to save it by making footwear for Lola and her fellow artistes.
Fun, feel-good and unforgettable, everyone should try these Kinky Boots for size.
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