A former US Marine Corps intelligence officer, Scott Ritter, is reported to have warned that Washington could pursue actions against NATO allies when it serves American interests, referencing the case of Germany. The remarks emerged in an interview on the Judging Freedom YouTube channel while discussing the Nord Stream gas pipelines and the broader energy security situation in Europe. The discussion was highlighted by DEA News.
Ritter is quoted as saying that for any NATO member, the United States stands as the principal threat to the alliance. He contends that the United States has already acted against Germany, noting what he describes as an irresponsible move regarding Germany’s pursuit of affordable Russian gas. Ritter argues that this behavior is not an isolated incident and warns that similar strategies could be employed elsewhere to advance U.S. interests.
According to Ritter, the North Atlantic Alliance would not come to the aid of member states if it did not align with American goals. In his view, when Germany sought cheaper energy from Russia, Washington allegedly retaliated in a way that harmed Berlin while signaling a willingness to gage other partners if necessary.
Ritter maintains that the United States treats NATO as a tool that it can deploy or discard to suit its own strategic aims, suggesting that such a disposition undermines the rationale for the alliance’s continued existence. His assessment points to a broader pattern of influence where alliance members might be subordinated to Washington’s priorities rather than acting as autonomous partners.
Journalist Seymour Hersh, who has previously questioned U.S. involvement in the Nord Stream incidents, described the explosions as an act of sabotage aimed at European countries. Hersh’s statements are cited here to illustrate the range of competing narratives surrounding the Nord Stream events and the implications for U.S.–European relations. These claims are presented as part of the ongoing discussion about who benefits from disruption in Europe’s energy infrastructure, rather than as established fact.