April 01, (THEWILL) — US President Donald Trump, has sharply criticised the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, describing it as a “paper tiger” while signalling that the United States may withdraw from the alliance following disagreements over the ongoing U.S.–Israeli military campaign against Iran.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump declared that the prospect of leaving NATO is now “beyond reconsideration,” marking a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and its traditional allies.
“I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Vladimir Putin knows that too,” Trump said.
Trump’s remarks come amid growing frustration within his administration over what it views as a lack of support from NATO members in addressing the Iran conflict, particularly efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route responsible for roughly 20 per cent of the world’s petroleum supply.
The disruption of the waterway in recent weeks has heightened global economic concerns, with rising energy prices and fears of a potential recession adding urgency to calls for coordinated international action.
Trump, however, said the response from allies has fallen short of expectations.
“Beyond not being there, it was actually hard to believe. I just think it should be automatic,” he said, stressing that the United States has consistently supported its allies in times of need.
Referencing past U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Trump argued that Washington had demonstrated unwavering commitment even when its direct interests were not at stake.
“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,” he added.
The U.S. leader also took aim at the United Kingdom, criticising Prime Minister Keir Starmer for declining to join the Iran campaign.
Trump questioned Britain’s military strength, particularly its naval capabilities, in comments that underscore widening transatlantic divisions.
Despite the criticism, Trump noted that decisions on defence spending remain the responsibility of individual nations, stating that the British leader could “do whatever he wants,” while also taking issue with the UK’s focus on renewable energy policies.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the administration’s stance, describing NATO as a “one-way street” and warning that Washington may “re-examine” its membership after the war.
Trump welcomed Rubio’s position, saying he was “glad” the matter was being openly discussed.
The development signals a potentially historic shift in U.S. foreign policy, raising fresh uncertainty over the future of NATO and the strength of Western alliances at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions.
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