President Donald Trump on Tuesday sharply criticized NATO allies after several European countries declined his request to assist in maintaining open shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy transport.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump raised the possibility of taking further action against the alliance when asked whether he would consider withdrawing the United States from NATO.
“It’s certainly something that we should think about,” he said.
“I don’t need Congress for that decision, as you probably know, I can make that decision myself.”
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The comments followed reports that key European allies, including France and the United Kingdom, declined to provide military support for operations aimed at securing the strait.
The administration has been seeking additional naval assets, including minesweepers to detect explosive devices and destroyers to protect commercial vessels moving through the narrow passage.
Trump has long expressed concerns about NATO’s structure and financial commitments, arguing that member nations rely too heavily on the United States.
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Addressing the issue again Tuesday, he said, “I’m very disappointed in NATO, very disappointed.”
He added, “We spend trillions of dollars on NATO. Think of it, trillions over the years, many trillions of dollars. It’s one of the reasons we have deficits.”
The United States is the largest contributor to NATO, accounting for approximately $980 billion in 2025, or about 65 percent of the alliance’s defense budget.
Despite his criticism, it remains unclear whether Trump will directly confront NATO leaders at the upcoming alliance meeting scheduled for July 7–8 in Ankara, Turkey.
The White House did not confirm whether the president plans to attend.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump detailed his frustration with the response from allied nations.
“The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation,” he wrote.
“We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need.”
Trump also suggested that the United States could proceed independently without support from NATO or other allied nations.
“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.
“Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 17, 2026
The dispute comes as the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed following actions by Iran involving mines, drones, and ships, disrupting roughly 27 percent of global maritime energy shipments.
The closure has contributed to rising oil prices, with crude surpassing $100 per barrel and average gas prices in the United States reaching $3.79 per gallon on Tuesday, the highest level since October 2023, according to AAA.
The administration has taken steps to manage fuel costs, including releasing oil from the strategic reserves, while also working to restore shipping through the strait.
Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said he spoke with Trump about the situation and described the president’s reaction to the allies’ refusal.
“Just spoke to [Trump] about our European allies’ unwillingness to provide assets to keep the Strait of Hormuz functioning, which benefits Europe far more than America,” Graham wrote on X.
He added, “I have never heard him so angry in my life. I share that anger, given what’s at stake.”
Senator Graham on Trump:
Just spoke to Trump about European allies’ unwillingness to provide assets to keep the Strait of Hormuz functioning, which benefits Europe more than America.
I’ve never heard him so angry, and I share that anger.
The arrogance of allies suggesting… pic.twitter.com/JCzHdwwXVe
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 17, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France would not participate in U.S. operations in the region while active conflict continues.
“We are not party to the conflict and therefore France will never take part in operations to open or liberate the Strait of Hormuz in the current context,” Macron said during a government meeting.
Macron indicated that France and other countries might consider involvement once conditions stabilize.
“We are convinced that once the situation has calmed down — and I deliberately use this term broadly — once the situation has calmed down, that is to say, once the main bombing has ceased, we are ready, along with other nations, to assume responsibility for the escort system,” he said.
Trump responded to Macron’s remarks during his Oval Office appearance, saying, “Well, he’ll be out of office very soon.”
The United Kingdom also signaled hesitation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is “not straightforward.”
He added, “You can see that historically when there’s been other conflicts that have affected the straits.”
Experts have said clearing the strait of mines, drones, submarines, and other threats could take weeks.
During a meeting Tuesday with Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Trump addressed Starmer’s position directly.
“He hasn’t been supportive, and I think it’s a big mistake,” Trump said.
The disagreement highlights ongoing divisions within NATO over military commitments and strategy as the United States continues efforts to restore access to a key global shipping route.
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