Trump Threatens to Withdraw U.S. from NATO Despite Legal Hurdles

President claims he can exit alliance unilaterally, but Congress passed law requiring approval

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:21pm

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President Trump says he is considering withdrawing the United States from the NATO alliance, despite a law passed by Congress in 2023 that bars the president from doing so without approval from the legislative branch. Trump has long complained about NATO member countries not paying enough for their own defense, and tensions have escalated further since the start of the war with Iran, as allies have been reluctant to assist the U.S. However, experts argue the president may try to cite executive authority to sidestep the law, which would almost certainly prompt legal challenges.

Why it matters

The U.S. withdrawal from NATO would have significant geopolitical and security implications, potentially weakening the longstanding defensive alliance and undermining transatlantic cooperation. It could also embolden U.S. adversaries and erode America's global influence. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the president and Congress over the limits of executive power in foreign policy.

The details

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a defensive alliance formed in 1949 to keep the U.S., Canada and Europe safe in the wake of World War II. It currently has 32 member countries. The alliance's core principle is Article 5, which states that an attack on one member will be considered an attack on all. For years, Trump has criticized NATO members for not spending enough on defense, and the tensions have escalated since the start of the war with Iran, as allies have been reluctant to assist the U.S. military efforts. Trump has indicated he believes he can withdraw the U.S. from NATO unilaterally, but Congress passed legislation in 2023 aimed at preventing a president from doing so without approval from the legislative branch.

  • In 2023, Congress passed a law barring the president from withdrawing the U.S. from NATO without approval.
  • In 2024, during his re-election campaign, Trump put intense pressure on NATO members to increase their defense spending.
  • In recent weeks, Trump has indicated he believes he can pull the U.S. out of NATO on his own.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is considering withdrawing the U.S. from NATO despite legal hurdles.

Marco Rubio

The current U.S. Secretary of State who, as a senator, was a lead sponsor of the 2023 legislation aimed at preventing a president from unilaterally withdrawing the U.S. from NATO.

Tim Kaine

The Democratic senator from Virginia who was the lead sponsor, along with Rubio, of the 2023 legislation aimed at preventing a president from unilaterally withdrawing the U.S. from NATO.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader who said the Senate "will not vote to leave NATO and abandon our allies just because Trump is upset they wouldn't go along with his reckless war of choice."

Joe Biden

The former president who signed the 2023 legislation aimed at preventing a president from unilaterally withdrawing the U.S. from NATO.

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What they’re saying

“I don't need Congress for that decision. I can make that decision myself.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“Unfortunately, we are going to have to reexamine whether or not this alliance, that has served this country well for a while, is still serving that purpose, or is it now become a one-way street.”

— Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

“The Senate will not vote to leave NATO and abandon our allies just because Trump is upset they wouldn't go along with his reckless war of choice.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the president and Congress over the limits of executive power in foreign policy, as well as the potential geopolitical and security implications of the U.S. withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval.