Trump Tells NATO 'STAY AWAY' — Calls Alliance 'Absolutely Useless' After Hormuz Reopens

Following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on April 17 after a US-Iran ceasefire, President Trump delivered his sharpest personal rebuff of NATO yet, declaring he no longer wanted alliance help and calling NATO 'absolutely useless.' Trump stated: 'I would have liked your help two months ago, but now I really don't want your help anymore because they were absolutely useless when we needed them.' He posted 'STAY AWAY' on Truth Social directed at NATO members when the alliance inquired whether the US needed post-ceasefire Hormuz assistance. The statement came despite Secretary General Rutte's efforts to credit European allies with having provided basing rights, logistics, and overflight access during the Iran war. The 'STAY AWAY' post effectively formalized Trump's rejection of the 40+ nation European-led Hormuz coalition as an unwanted intrusion, and pushed the rhetorical floor from earlier 'disappointment' framing to open contempt. Trump's characterization that NATO was 'useless' during the Iran war contradicted Rutte's April 8 defense that European allies had delivered meaningful support.