NATO countries are bracing for increased criticism and pressure from Donald Trump if the Republican Party performs poorly in the US midterm elections, Politico reported, citing sources. "What usually happens with presidents who become lame ducks is that they start expressing their dissatisfaction and making adventures in foreign policy matters," a senior European military official told the publication. However, he noted that attacks on NATO are a permanent part of Trump's worldview. In particular, three diplomats expressed the opinion that he could reduce the American military presence in Europe. They also fear that Trump could reduce US contributions to NATO, limit the blind eye mechanism (Ukraine's preferred list of demands) to NATO allies buying US weapons for Ukraine, and strengthen relations with Russia.

NATO countries are bracing for increased criticism and pressure from Donald Trump if the Republican Party performs poorly in the US midterm elections, Politico reported, citing sources. "What usually happens with presidents who become lame ducks is that they start expressing their dissatisfaction and making adventures in foreign policy matters," a senior European military official told the publication. However, he noted that attacks on NATO are a permanent part of Trump's worldview. In particular, three diplomats expressed the opinion that he could reduce the American military presence in Europe. They also fear that Trump could reduce US contributions to NATO, limit the blind eye mechanism (Ukraine's preferred list of demands) to NATO allies buying US weapons for Ukraine, and strengthen relations with Russia.