US President Donald Trump has sparked global debate after labelling NATO a “paper tiger” and suggesting that Vladimir Putin also views the alliance as weak.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump revealed he is seriously considering pulling the United States out of NATO following the bloc’s refusal to support his proposed military action related to Iran.
Trump Questions NATO’s Relevance
Trump did not hold back in his criticism of the alliance, stating that US membership in NATO is now “beyond reconsideration.” He argued that the organisation has failed to act decisively at a critical moment, raising concerns about its reliability as a defence partner.
According to Trump, NATO allies were reluctant to deploy forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route that has remained effectively blocked amid escalating tensions with Iran.
He emphasised that around 20% of the world’s oil supply typically passes through the strait, warning that prolonged disruption could push global markets towards a recession.
“Putin Knows NATO Is Weak”
In one of his most striking remarks, Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is fully aware of NATO’s limitations.
“I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too,” Trump said, reinforcing his long-standing scepticism of the alliance.
The statement is likely to intensify geopolitical tensions, particularly as NATO has historically positioned itself as a counterbalance to Russia’s military influence.