Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of Nato in a fresh post on Truth Social, according to reports on Thursday, as tensions continue to build ahead of remarks by Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
The US president wrote that “none of these people” — it was not clear who he was referring to — including “our own, very disappointing Nato, understood anything unless they have pressure placed upon them!!!”
The comments came amid reports that Trump has told Rutte he wants concrete commitments within days from Nato members to help secure the strait of Hormuz. It is not clear whether his latest online attack was a direct reference to those discussions, but the timing appears to connect the remarks to the earlier reporting.
Trump’s post adds to his long-running criticism of the alliance and follows a pattern of public pressure on Nato partners to take a more active role on security issues. In this latest message, he again suggested that pressure is needed for people to “understand anything”, sharpening his criticism of both Nato and unnamed individuals.
The post arrives before Rutte’s expected speech, keeping attention on the relationship between Washington and its Nato allies at a moment when reports indicate the US president is looking for rapid and specific commitments.
The issue of the strait of Hormuz is significant because of its importance to international shipping and regional security. Trump’s reported demand for help in securing it underscores the wider strategic concerns surrounding the area, even as he continues to voice frustration with Nato.
Thursday’s remarks mark another public intervention by the US president on a matter involving the alliance, with the language of his Truth Social post leaving little doubt about the strength of his dissatisfaction.
