President Donald Trump says defending NATO countries, including the tiny Balkin sovereign state of Montenegro, could possibly trigger “World War III.”

The commander in chief made the explosive remark on Fox NewsTuesday night as he and host Tucker Carlson discussed Trump’s demand that NATO countries pay their fair share to belong to the peacekeeping group.

“Membership in NATO obligates members to defend any other member that’s attacked. So let’s say Montenegro … Why should my son go to Montenegro to defend it from attack?” Carson asked, referring to the tiny, fiercely-independent country bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania.

“I understand what you’re saying. I’ve asked the same question,” Trump responded.

“You know, Montenegro is a tiny country with very strong people … By the way, they are very strong people, they are very aggressive people. They may get aggressive and congratulations, you’re in World War III.

“Now, I understand, but that’s the way it was set up. Don’t forget, I just got here a little more than a year and a half ago.”