Donald Trump has once again stirred global debate, this time by threatening America’s NATO allies and floating a dramatic tariff plan against China.
His comments came in a fiery Truth Social post on Saturday morning, where he accused allies of undermining peace efforts in Ukraine.
Frustration Over Russian Oil
Trump lashed out at NATO nations for continuing to buy Russian oil, despite their opposition to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
He argued that such purchases weaken their bargaining power.
“I am ready to do major sanctions on Russia when all NATO nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,” he wrote.
A Bold Tariff Proposal
In the same post, Trump suggested slapping tariffs of 50% to 100% on China, promising they would be lifted once the war in Ukraine ended.
According to him, Beijing’s influence over Moscow is so strong that only massive economic pressure could break that “grip.”
He called the idea a way to end what he described as a “deadly but ridiculous war.”
Rising Tensions in Europe
His statement landed at a tense moment. Just days earlier, Russian drones headed toward a NATO supply base for Ukraine were intercepted and destroyed in Polish airspace, sparking fresh concerns of escalation across Europe.
Not the First Threat
This is not Trump’s first time issuing warnings tied to Russian oil.
He has previously targeted other nations with sanctions, including a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s continued energy trade with Moscow.
Yet, he has so far avoided taking similar steps against China—until now.
Framing the War
Trump has consistently framed the Ukraine conflict as “Biden’s and Zelenskyy’s war,” insisting it would never have happened if he had been in office.
In his latest remarks, he repeated that message, claiming he is only stepping in to “save thousands of lives.”
He ended his post with a sharp line aimed at NATO leaders: “If NATO does as I say, the war will end quickly… If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States.”
Anger Over Beijing’s Military Display
The former president’s tough talk on China also comes after he blasted Xi Jinping for hosting Russian and North Korean leaders at a massive military parade in Beijing earlier this month.
The event, which showcased advanced weapons—including a laser that experts say could disable electronics—was seen as a show of defiance against the U.S.-led world order.
Trump’s Response to the Parade
In a scathing Truth Social post, Trump sarcastically asked Xi to “give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America.”
He also reminded Beijing of the sacrifices Americans made during World War II to help secure China’s freedom, saying he hoped that bravery would be “rightfully honored.”
Kremlin Pushes Back
Moscow, however, downplayed the suggestion of any anti-U.S. plot.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov denied that Russia, China, and North Korea were conspiring, saying, “No one even had such a thought.”
He added that Russia still recognizes Trump’s personal role in shaping the current global situation.