Trump Torches NATO as Completely “Useless” Amid Hormuz Crisis
The fragile ceasefire in the Middle East has done little to nothing to calm tensions between America and its European allies, as President Trump launched another scathing attack on NATO, dismissing the alliance as ineffective and irrelevant during a moment of crisis.
While speaking at a political event in Phoenix and later on social media, Trump made clear that he had rejected a recent offer of assistance from NATO regarding security in the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, had been disrupted for weeks during the ongoing war in Iran.
“Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is almost over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would like some help,” Trump said. “I told them I would have liked your help two months ago, but now I don’t want your help anymore.”
“They were absolutely useless. They need us so badly” — Trump goads his Turning Point audience into booing NATO pic.twitter.com/oCiL4rS6yd
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 17, 2026
The remarks reflect a deepening rift between the United States and the NATO alliance, which Trump has repeatedly criticized for failing to support America during its recent military confrontation with Iran. Going even further, the president described the bloc as “absolutely useless when we needed them.”
At the heart of the dispute lies the closure—and subsequent reopening—of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the passage had been reopened to commercial vessels following a temporary ceasefire arrangement.
Trump quickly confirmed the development, claiming that Tehran had effectively committed to keeping the strait open. At the same time, he emphasized that American naval measures targeting Iranian shipping would remain in place until a broader agreement is finalized.
The confrontation over Hormuz highlighted what many have long viewed as a structural imbalance within NATO. While the United States carried out the bulk of military operations and enforcement measures, European allies largely have remained on the sidelines.
Administration officials have described this lack of support as a turning point, going so far as to suggest that NATO “turned their backs” on the United States during a critical moment of need. Trump echoed that sentiment, arguing that America must increasingly rely on its own capabilities.
“We have to rely on ourselves,” he said, adding that America cannot “rely on outside countries and sources.”
Trump also pointed to the alliance’s financial dimension, noting that the United States has spent enormous sums in support of NATO over the years. “We’ve spent close to a trillion dollars…” We’re always helping them,” he added, reinforcing his longstanding critique of the bloc’s deeply imbalanced burden-sharing.
The president’s frustration has once again revived speculation about a potential American withdrawal from NATO, an idea he has floated repeatedly in recent years. While no formal steps have been taken, the tone of his remarks has grown sharper since the Iran conflict began.
Despite these tensions, European leaders have moved to assert their own role in the region. In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron convened a high-level meeting of international partners to address maritime security in the Gulf.
Alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Macron announced plans for a multinational initiative to safeguard commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed mission, they said, would focus on defensive measures such as mine clearance and escort operations.
Starmer, for his part, has described the effort as a “peaceful and defensive” operation designed to reassure global markets and maintain the flow of trade. However, the initiative quite notably excludes direct US participation, underscoring the growing divergence between Washington and its allies.
Macron emphasized that the mission would be “neutral” and independent from the broader conflict, a stance that appears intended to distance Europe from the escalation led by the United States. Military planners are expected to meet in London to develop operational details.
Still, questions remain about Europe’s actual capacity to deliver on such ambitions. Analysts have pointed out that European naval forces are limited, with few countries able to commit significant assets to sustained operations in the region.
The United Kingdom, for example, has deployed only a single major warship, while France—despite possessing the EU’s most capable military—has committed a modest number of vessels. Other nations, including Germany and Italy, have signaled willingness to contribute but claim to face legal and logistical constraints.
Within Europe, there is disagreement over whether the United States should play a role in any future mission. Some leaders have argued that American involvement remains essential, while others have suggested that a European-led approach would reduce the risk of further escalation.
Such discussions for Trump, however, appear beside the point. In a characteristically blunt post, he dismissed NATO outright, writing that he told the alliance to “stay away” unless it intended to “load up their ships with oil.”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 17, 2026
He then went on to call NATO a “paper tiger,” a phrase that underscores his view that the alliance lacks both credibility and effectiveness in real-world conflicts.
The episode has reignited a broader debate about NATO’s purpose and future in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. Originally conceived as a defensive pact during the Cold War, the alliance now faces growing skepticism from both policymakers and the public.
Critics argue that NATO has evolved into a bureaucratic structure that relies disproportionately on American resources while offering limited strategic value in return. The Iran conflict, they contend, has exposed these weaknesses in stark terms.
At the same time, European leaders appear increasingly aware of the need to demonstrate greater autonomy. The Hormuz initiative can be seen as an attempt to project independence, even as underlying capabilities remain constrained.
Global energy markets have also felt the impact of the crisis. Oil prices surged following the initial closure of the strait, highlighting the vulnerability of supply chains to geopolitical disruptions.
Although the reopening of Hormuz has eased immediate concerns, strong uncertainty persists as negotiations between America and Tehran continue. Trump has indicated that talks could resume soon, though significant differences remain.
The ceasefire, for now, appears to have created a temporary pause in hostilities, but it has also laid bare the fractures within the Western alliance. The divergence between American and European approaches to security is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The long-term implications of this shift are still unfolding. If current trends continue, NATO may face mounting pressure to redefine its role—or risk further erosion of its relevance.
The post Trump Torches NATO as Completely “Useless” Amid Hormuz Crisis appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.