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In his message, Trump expressed that he is not surprised, as he has always believed that NATO would not provide the necessary assistance to the US. "We spend hundreds of billions of dollars every year to protect these countries, and they do nothing for us, especially in critical moments," he noted. "As a result of our successful operations in the Middle East, we do not need and do not desire help from NATO countries — we have never needed it," he added.
Trump also emphasized in his publication that the United States "does not require help from anyone."
During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at the White House, Trump described the refusal of NATO countries as "a huge folly," according to Reuters. "Everyone agrees with us, but no one wants to help. And we, the United States, should remember this, as it is simply outrageous," he stated.
When asked about possible retaliatory measures against NATO allies, Trump replied that he has no such plans.
Previously, he had already expressed the idea of the US withdrawing from NATO, but this issue was not raised in his statements on March 17.
On March 15, Donald Trump called on allies to assist the US in ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil supplies pass. Access to the strait is effectively blocked due to attacks from Iran. In response to Trump's call, Germany and the United Kingdom stated that they do not plan to send their ships to unblock the strait.
