WASHINGTON D.C April 17, 2026 – President Donald J. Trump sharply criticized NATO allies Friday, calling the military alliance a “Paper Tiger” that was “useless when needed” after the United States single-handedly resolved the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on Truth Social and shared by the official White House Rapid Response account (@RapidResponse47), President Trump revealed that NATO contacted the U.S. seeking to offer assistance — but only after the situation had already been resolved through American leadership.
“Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL. They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!” the President wrote.
The strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — had been disrupted amid the recent U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Iran had effectively closed or restricted the waterway, causing global energy prices to spike and threatening international shipping. President Trump had called on NATO members to assist in restoring freedom of navigation, but European allies refused to participate in military action, claiming the conflict did not trigger NATO’s Article 5 collective defense obligations since the United States was not directly attacked.
Today, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared the strait “completely open” for all commercial vessels during the ongoing Lebanon ceasefire. President Trump confirmed the waterway is now fully operational, crediting decisive U.S. action — including a blockade of Iranian ports — for forcing the resolution.
The President’s remarks underscore his long-standing “America First” policy and frustration with what he views as chronic free-riding by NATO partners. During the crisis, the U.S. bore the primary burden of confronting Iran’s aggression while allies offered little more than words of support.
Supporters praised Trump’s blunt assessment, with many noting that NATO’s belated offer came only after America had already secured victory and stabilized global oil markets.
The reopening has been welcomed by markets, with oil prices beginning to stabilize as commercial shipping resumes in the Persian Gulf.
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