In a bombshell interview with The Telegraph, President Donald Trump has delivered his harshest criticism yet of NATO, labeling the alliance a “paper tiger” and declaring that pulling the United States out is now “beyond reconsideration.”
Trump expressed deep frustration after NATO partners and key European allies declined his calls for support in the ongoing conflict with Iran — particularly refusing to send warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies.
What Trump Said About NATO
When asked if he would reconsider America’s membership in NATO following the Iran conflict, Trump replied bluntly:
“Oh yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration. I was never swayed by Nato. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.”
He added that allies’ absence was shocking:
“Beyond not being there, it was actually hard to believe… We’ve been there automatically, including Ukraine. Ukraine wasn’t our problem. It was a test, and we were there for them… They weren’t there for us.”
Trump emphasized that he didn’t even push allies aggressively, expecting automatic solidarity in return for America’s long-standing commitment to the alliance.
The Iran War and the Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The row stems from the US-led military actions against Iran, which have seen Tehran effectively close or severely disrupt the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil typically flows.
This blockade has sent global oil and gas prices soaring, raising fears of a worldwide recession. Trump demanded that NATO and other allies contribute naval forces to secure and reopen the strait, arguing it serves everyone’s interest, especially Europe and Asia, which rely heavily on the oil route.
However, major allies including Britain, France, Germany, and others pushed back. Several European nations stated the conflict “has nothing to do with NATO,” while others simply declined to get involved militarily.
Trump has since signaled the US may wrap up its direct involvement in the Iran operations “very soon” — potentially within two to three weeks — even if the strait remains blocked, shifting responsibility back to nations that depend on it.