The United States has effectively abandoned NATO under President Donald Trump, leaving its European allies to confront Russia without the support they once relied on, according to retired US General Barry McCaffrey.

McCaffrey, a former commander of US Southern Command, made the remarks during an appearance on the Lincoln Square YouTube channel, where he sharply criticized the Trump administration’s approach to European security.

He argued that Washington had unilaterally decided to withdraw from Europe, undermining the alliance’s ability to respond to what he described as Russian aggression against Ukraine and continuing threats to Western Europe.

The former general expressed particular concern about Poland and the Baltic states, which he considers especially vulnerable because of their proximity to Russia.

In McCaffrey’s assessment, the administration’s retreat amounts to a fundamental reversal of American foreign policy. He accused Trump of effectively accommodating Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions while leaving frontline NATO members increasingly exposed.

McCaffrey also questioned how Washington could abandon a security arrangement that had helped preserve peace in Europe for two or three generations.

He pointed to the European Union’s economic strength, shared Western values and binding treaty commitments as the foundations of that long-standing stability.

The retired commander said he could not understand Trump’s decisions or the apparent lack of resistance from Congress. He questioned whether the president had any authority to withdraw the United States from NATO unilaterally.

Although Washington has not formally announced its departure from the alliance, McCaffrey believes the administration’s actions already amount to a withdrawal in practice.

He expects NATO to continue operating without meaningful American participation but doubts whether the remaining members will have sufficient strength to deter further Russian military action.

McCaffrey said he hoped European countries would be able to maintain that deterrent despite the loss of US support.

According to the former general, Finland, Poland and other countries bordering Russia are outraged by Washington’s change of course.

He concluded that the United States had effectively walked away from NATO, damaging its credibility as an ally and creating a situation he regarded as disgraceful.