US President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of NATO, calling the alliance a “paper tiger” and saying he is “strongly considering” pulling the United States out after European allies refused to join his push against Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a candid interview with The Telegraph, Trump expressed deep frustration with NATO partners. He stated that removing America from the defense treaty is now “beyond reconsideration” following their reluctance to support U.S. efforts in the ongoing Iran conflict.
“I was never swayed by Nato. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way,” Trump told the outlet.
What Triggered Trump’s NATO Outburst?
The flashpoint is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s oil typically flows. Iran has effectively closed or severely restricted shipping in the strait for weeks amid escalating tensions with the U.S. and Israel. This has sent global oil and gas prices spiraling, raising fears of a broader economic recession.
Trump demanded that NATO allies send warships to help reopen the vital waterway. He expected automatic support, comparing it to how the U.S. backed Europe on issues like Ukraine.
“We’ve been there automatically, including Ukraine. Ukraine wasn’t our problem. It was a test, and we were there for them,” Trump said. “They weren’t there for us.”
Instead, many European allies balked. Several countries viewed it as “not our war” and hesitated to commit naval forces to a high-risk mission in the Persian Gulf. Trump described their response as not just absent—but “hard to believe.”
What Does “Pulling Out of NATO” Actually Mean?
A full U.S. withdrawal from NATO would be historic and complicated. The alliance, founded in 1949, relies on Article 5 — the collective defense clause that treats an attack on one as an attack on all. Trump has repeatedly questioned whether the U.S. should continue bearing disproportionate costs and risks.
Legal experts note that unilateral withdrawal by the president faces congressional hurdles, but Trump’s rhetoric signals a major shift in U.S. posture: America First means alliances must deliver mutual benefits, not one-sided protection.
European leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have expressed disappointment, with some allies beginning limited coordination on the strait while others remain cautious.