During a Friday morning briefing on Operation Epic Fury, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth took a moment to remind America’s allies that the relationship is supposed to be a two-way street.
“It’s also worth saying, this should not be America’s fight alone. We barely use the Strait of Hormuz as a country. Our energy doesn’t flow through there,” Hegseth said.
“Europe and Asia have benefitted from our protection for decades,” Hegseth continued. “But the time for free riding is over. America and the free world deserve allies who are capable and loyal and who understand that being an ally is not a one-way street. It’s a two-way street.”
“We are not counting on Europe, but they need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do. They may want to do less talking and less fancy conferences in Europe, and get on a boat.”
Watch the clip below:
BREAKING: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth calls out America's allies: "The time for free riding is over."
"America and the free world deserve allies who are capable, who are loyal, and who understand that being an ally is not a one way street."
"We barely use the Strait of Hormuz… pic.twitter.com/o2fCGDq6kP
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 24, 2026
