WASHINGTON, USA – Donald Trump signaled that the United States could consider leaving NATO after a possible end to the war with Iran, calling the alliance a “paper tiger.”
Interview with British newspaper triggers debate
According to foreign media reports dated 1 April 2026, Donald Trump again criticized NATO in an interview with a British newspaper. He indicated that, once the war with Iran ended, he would fundamentally reconsider US membership in the defence alliance. The remarks reignited concerns in Europe about the long‑term reliability of US security guarantees.
Trump suggested that the debate would go beyond a routine policy review. He linked his criticism directly to what he described as insufficient burden‑sharing among allies, particularly in current crises.
“More than just a review”: Trump’s NATO criticism
When asked by the British newspaper The Telegraph whether he would review the US NATO status after the end of the war, Trump replied, according to the report, that it was about “more than a review.” He added that he had “never” been impressed by NATO and had always considered it a “paper tiger.” Trump also claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was aware of this supposed weakness.
By portraying the alliance in this way, he again questioned the credibility of its deterrence. The comments marked a continuation of his long‑standing scepticism toward multilateral security structures.
Hormuz dispute: hesitant NATO partners
As context, the report cited the reluctance of several NATO members to send troops to open a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway was described as a key route for global oil transport. According to the report, Iran had closed the strait in response to attacks by the United States and Israel.
The hesitation of partner states over deployments in this area was presented as a major source of Trump’s frustration. He used the situation to argue that many allies were unwilling to take sufficient risks for their own security interests.
Trump urges allies to act on their own
In a further broadside against partner countries, Trump called on states suffering jet fuel shortages due to the Hormuz closure to go there themselves and “take” the strait. He sharpened this demand in posts on his platform Truth Social, insisting that partners had to learn to “fight on their own.” Trump wrote that the United States would no longer help if others did not stand at America’s side.
The statements underscored his demand for greater military engagement by other NATO members. They also raised fears that Washington could scale back its role in protecting vital sea lanes.
Allegations over alliance loyalty and Afghanistan
Trump again fundamentally questioned whether NATO partners would come to the aid of the US if Washington needed them. The report recalled an earlier, unsubstantiated claim he had made in January that NATO troops in Afghanistan had moved “to the back rows.” The allegation was not backed up with evidence in the coverage.
By casting doubt on allied solidarity, Trump challenged one of the core principles of the alliance. His remarks added to uncertainty about how mutual defence commitments would function in a crisis.
Ukraine as a “test” – but no new US aid packages
In the interview, Trump said the United States would “automatically” help others, mentioning Ukraine as an example. He stressed that Ukraine was “not our problem,” but described it as a “test.” According to the report, the US had provided some military intelligence and allowed Europe to buy US weapons on Ukraine’s behalf.
At the same time, it stated that since the end of Joe Biden’s term there had been no new US military or financial aid package for Kyiv. The combination of rhetorical support and the absence of fresh packages highlighted tensions in US policy toward the conflict.
Jab at Britain and criticism of energy policy
In the conversation with The Telegraph, Trump also targeted the United Kingdom, mocking the British navy as “too old.” He claimed the country had an aircraft carrier that was not operational. The remarks were seen as a pointed swipe at Britain’s military capabilities.
Trump further said Prime Minister Keir Starmer was primarily interested in expensive wind power installations that were driving up energy prices in Britain. With this criticism, he linked defence issues to domestic energy policy debates in the UK.
Starmer responds: NATO “most effective military alliance”
Asked about Trump’s latest statements, Keir Starmer reaffirmed, according to the report, that NATO remained “the most effective military alliance the world has ever seen.”
“NATO remains the most effective military alliance the world has ever seen.”
said Keir Starmer, Prime Minister.
He also made clear that Britain would by no means allow itself to be drawn “into a war with Iran.”
“Britain will under no circumstances allow itself to be drawn into a war with Iran.”
said Keir Starmer, Prime Minister.
Starmer’s comments were intended to underline the UK’s commitment to the alliance while distancing his government from a direct military confrontation with Tehran. His response highlighted the contrast between European and US rhetoric on NATO’s future.