US President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of Nato, posting on Truth Social on Thursday that the alliance is “very disappointing” and suggesting that some people do not “understand anything” unless they face pressure.
In the post, Trump wrote that “none of these people” — a reference that was not made clear — including “our own, very disappointing Nato,” understood anything unless “pressure” was placed on them.
The message came amid reports that Trump had told Nato secretary general Mark Rutte he wanted concrete commitments within days from Nato members to help secure the strait of Hormuz.
It was not immediately clear whether Trump’s latest social media attack was directly linked to those reports, but the timing added to the scrutiny around his remarks and the alliance’s response.
The comments are the latest in a series of public criticisms of Nato from Trump, who has repeatedly pressured allies over defence burdens and alliance commitments.
Rutte is expected to speak later, with Trump’s remarks likely to hang over any discussion of Nato’s role, collective security, and possible involvement in efforts connected to the strategic waterway.
