Trump Proposes U.S. Military as a Paid Service—Taking 20% of Middle Eastern Revenue.

Trump’s Vision for Reshaping America’s Military Role

According to Vox - Загальний: President Donald Trump is pushing to transform the U.S. armed forces into a fee-based service for other nations, especially in the Middle East. He argues that Washington could act as the region’s 'guardian' in exchange for 20% of its income. Under this plan, allied countries would be expected to pay more for hosting American troops on their soil.

Trump also addressed Iran’s announcement that it would once again close the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, 2026. In response, he proposed a 'VIP pass' system for vessels transiting this critical waterway. Such a move could significantly impact global trade, given the strait’s role as a key route for oil shipments.

Meeting with Defense Industry Leaders

Additionally, Trump convened top executives from U.S. defense companies at the White House, urging them to ramp up production. He stated:

'There will be NO ships in the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days during the Truce.'

Overall, Trump’s proposals to redefine the U.S. military’s function could have major repercussions for international security and the global economy—particularly in the Middle East and along vital maritime corridors.

It is worth noting that a shift in America’s military posture abroad may elicit mixed reactions from international players. Allies might welcome the chance to bolster their security through financial contributions, yet this model could also strain U.S.-partner relations. The 'VIP pass' initiative for the Strait of Hormuz could further disrupt global energy markets, as any change in access to this strategic chokepoint would ripple through the world economy.