Trump is toying with the idea of leaving NATO.Image: keystone
US President Donald Trump has criticized NATO for its lack of help in securing oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz. He is disappointed with the Allies – and is threatening to leave NATO.
Mar 17, 2026, 5:22 p.mMar 17, 2026, 5:46 p.m
US President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw the US from NATO at a press conference in the Oval Office. “If they don’t help us, it’s certainly something we have to think about,” he said. “I don’t need Congress to do this, as you may know,” he added.
However, Congress put a stop to this in 2023: A law prohibits the US President from “suspending, terminating or withdrawing the USA from the North Atlantic Treaty” – without the consent of the Senate or Congress.
Trump had previously criticized NATO for its lack of help in securing oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz. He now wants help from his partners to secure shipping. This is what he writes on his platform Truth Social.
The reason he gives for his change of heart is that he is no longer dependent on support. “Because of our military successes, we no longer need the support of NATO countries – we never did!” writes Trump on Truth Social.
screenshot truth social
Most US allies have rejected an operation in the Strait of Hormuz. He wasn’t surprised: “We protect them, but they won’t help us, especially in emergencies.” The US President has made this accusation many times.
Days earlier, Trump had used confrontational words to call on NATO allies to help secure oil shipments through the strait from Iran. During the Iran war, transit virtually came to a standstill. Oil prices rose to their highest level in years. (hkl, with material from the news agencies sda/dpa)