Trump made contradictory comment to reporters on Air Force One after pleading with allies to help US secure Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump drew a backlash on Sunday for suggesting US efforts to protect the Strait of Hormuz were unnecessary – and that “maybe we shouldn’t even be there at all” because his country has plenty of oil of its own.

The president made the contradictory comment to reporters on Air Force One after pleading with European and NATO allies to enter the war in Iran to help the US secure the strait amid the largest oil supply disruption in history.

Trump received criticism in the early stages of the US and Israel’s three-week war in Iran for failing to convey clear reasons for launching military strikes. He has made a number of antithetical statements since, including telling the UK, which he called a “once great ally”, that its help was not needed in Operation Epic Fury.