Trump chief: We’re committed to Nato

DONALD Trump’s new defence chief has told Sir Michael Fallon that the US has an ‘unshakeable commitment’ to Nato.

James Mattis – nicknamed ‘Mad Dog’ – said defence ties were the ‘bedrock of US security’ during a fifteen-minute phone call with the Defence Secretary on Monday.

In what was described by Sir Michael as a ‘warm’ discussion, they talked about how to ‘modernise’ the alliance – just days after Donald Trump described Nato as ‘obsolete’. The conversation will be seen as a huge boost for Theresa May, who will urge Mr Trump not to undermine Nato during her face-to-face talks with the President on Friday.

The conversation was among the first official calls made by the Pentagon chief – who is a former General in the Marines – and will be seen as an indication that Mr Trump’s administration will remain committed to Nato.

He also spoke to the Secretary General of Nato on Monday. Sir Michael said: ‘It was a very warm conversation. We talked of our joint leadership in Nato, including modernising the alliance and how we ensure that all members meet the Nato 2 per cent spending commitment alongside America and Britain.

‘Operationally we discussed the importance of working together to defeat threats, including tackling terrorism in all its forms.’

He said he ‘looked forward’ to meeting Secretary Mattis at the next meeting of Nato defence ministers in February.