"Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer 'need,' or desire, the NATO Countries' assistance - WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea," Trump wrote on his own social medial platform Truth Social.
He then fumed, "In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE."
In an abrupt reversal, the remarks came just days after Trump had urged allies to dispatch warships to the he strategically important waterway, a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply, amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East which began with U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran late last month and now in its third week.
The outburst appeared to reflect his frustration and anger after most NATO members declined to get involved, while others remained cautious.
"I am not surprised by their action, however, because I always considered NATO, where we spend Hundreds of Billions of Dollars per year protecting these same Countries, to be a one way street - We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need," he also wrote, criticizing NATO for "making a foolish mistake."
South Korea has remained cautious, saying it is "in close consultation with Washington," since Trump singled out the country, along with several others earlier in the week.
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