Donald Trump begged NATO for help in the Strait of Hormuz, but their response has him throwing a tantrum

President Trump is now openly considering whether the United States should withdraw from NATO after most of its allies declined to send forces to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. The move has exposed deep divisions within the alliance.

According to Reuters, Trump had called on NATO nations to help police the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil is transported. Iran, responding to ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks that began in late February, effectively closed the channel for tankers using drones, missiles, and mines.

The conflict has already led to strikes on oil and gas infrastructure, halting fuel shipments from large parts of the Gulf and causing global oil prices to rise sharply. Several U.S. allies, including Poland, made it clear on Monday that they had no immediate plans to send ships or forces to the area, effectively turning down Trump’s request for military support.

NATO’s refusal to act is proving costly for the alliance’s unity

This comes as Europe remains heavily dependent on the US for key defense capabilities, a long-standing issue within the alliance. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday during the St. Patrick’s Day visit of Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Trump described the allies’ refusal as a “very foolish mistake.” 

He told reporters, “I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake. Everyone agrees with us, but they don’t want to help. And we, you know, we as the United States have to remember that because we think it’s pretty shocking.”

Earlier, Trump posted on social media calling the alliance a “one-way street.” He also claimed America did not need allied help with its military operations against Iran. “Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance, WE NEVER DID!” he wrote, singling out Japan, Australia, and South Korea in his comments.

When asked directly if he was considering leaving NATO entirely, Trump said, “It’s certainly something that we should think about. I don’t need Congress for that decision.” He has long been skeptical of NATO, often accusing member states of not contributing enough and relying too heavily on Washington for their security. 

Analysts have previously noted that Trump’s strategy for pressuring NATO involves his signature shakedown approach, which has rattled European leaders for years. He has previously threatened to withdraw the United States from the 32-nation military alliance, which has been a cornerstone of Western security since the Cold War.

Despite his strong words, Trump added that he had “nothing currently in mind” regarding retaliation against NATO allies. He did make clear, however, that he is “not exactly thrilled” with the situation. Tensions between Trump and European allies have surfaced before, including his threat to annex Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, which caused significant concern across Europe.