Rejection letters came one after another, and finally, Trump could not maintain his composure. He began to find a way out for himself. He changed his mind from the previous days, stating that he did not need any help at all, but his words still carried a lot of resentment.

Trump and Irish Prime Minister Martin

Recently, when Trump met with Irish Prime Minister Martin, he made a statement, changing his previous stance. Trump said that from now on, the United States no longer expects or needs any help from NATO countries, and Japan, Australia, and South Korea are no exception. The "help" Trump referred to was the escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

Upon making this statement, the outside world was stunned. Just two days ago, Trump was desperately calling and posting online, specifically mentioning China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany to send warships to escort in the Strait of Hormuz. According to his words at that time, those who did not help would face very serious consequences. But only 48 hours had passed, and Trump had changed his mind.

However, it was not that the US suddenly saw the light, but rather that they had no other options. The invitations sent out were like stones sinking into the sea, and the rejection letters came one after another. Germany said it would not participate, France said it was unnecessary, and the EU explicitly stated that this was not Europe's concern. Japan and South Korea were hesitant, and China did not respond at all. It can be said that Trump was completely ignored.

Trump attending the NATO Summit

Originally, he wanted to form an "escort alliance," but ended up failing to gather even a single foreign warship. This was a big embarrassment. In such a situation, Trump had no choice but to find a way out for himself. He stated on social media that he was not surprised by the rejections, as the United States, being the strongest country in the world, naturally did not need help.

This sounds very strong, but upon closer inspection, there are too many loopholes. If it was really unnecessary, why was he asking for help just two days ago? If the military had achieved great success, why was he so troubled about the escort mission? Trump spoke lightly, but his words clearly revealed a lot of resentment.

Oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz

In his speech, he called NATO's actions "stupid," and said that the US had invested a lot in NATO over the years, which led to its current heavy debt, implying that NATO was ungrateful. Obviously, Trump was not indifferent to the rejection, but rather had no face left, so he had to take it alone.

Trump's words were actually directed at his own people, not that the US had lost face, but that NATO was "ungrateful." Worse yet, Trump also dropped another bomb, saying that exiting NATO was indeed under consideration. Upon hearing this, Europe probably had another sleepless night.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mousavi

But upon closer inspection, Trump actually left a way out for himself. He added that currently, there was "no specific plan," just dissatisfaction with the current situation. It would not be something the US could do in a day. Not to mention the legal obstacles within the US, a unilateral withdrawal would require Congress's approval.

Moreover, NATO is the core tool for the US to control Europe, contain Russia, and project global influence. Leaving NATO would mean handing over Europe to others. Even if Trump advocated "America First," he would not be so foolish as to do this. What he truly wanted was to force allies to make concessions on the Hormuz issue.

Previously, when the US president raised his voice, the allies would follow, and NATO would act collectively. Now, however, when it comes to Iran, no one is following. Trump's performance of "anger and shame" is actually a reflection of the decline of America's global influence.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/7618479049588916786/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.