President Donald Trump has indicated he is "absolutely" considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, labeling the military alliance a "paper tiger" and criticizing member states for insufficient support during the Iran conflict.
Trump's Interviews and Criticisms
- In interviews published Wednesday with The Telegraph and Reuters, Trump reiterated his long-standing skepticism of NATO.
- To The Telegraph, he said: "Oh yes, I would say (it’s) beyond reconsideration. I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger."
- To Reuters, he stated he is "absolutely" considering withdrawal and previewed criticism in his upcoming address.
- Key criticisms include:
- Allies' reluctance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping lane.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's initial refusal to allow British military bases for U.S. operations against Iran.
- General lack of support, with Trump claiming, "We’ve never asked them for much … it’s a one-way street."
- On Truth Social, Trump told countries facing jet fuel shortages to "build up some delayed courage" and take the Strait themselves, warning U.S. won't help.
Legal Hurdles to Withdrawal
- A 2023 law passed by Congress requires the advice and consent of the Senate or an act of Congress for any U.S. withdrawal from NATO.
- The law was co-sponsored by then-Sen. Marco Rubio (now Secretary of State) and Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine.
- Legal perspectives vary:
- A Congressional Research Service report notes withdrawal may depend on court analysis.
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) stated it is "factually not true" that Trump can withdraw without Congress, though the president could undermine the alliance.
- A 2020 DOJ legal opinion asserts the president has exclusive authority over treaties, creating a conflict with the 2023 law.
NATO and UK Responses
- NATO has not directly commented on Trump's remarks but consistently emphasizes the alliance's effectiveness.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed that NATO is "the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen" and stated the UK will not be "dragged into" the war with Iran.
- NATO's collective defense principle (Article 5) has been invoked only once, after 9/11, leading to allied involvement in Afghanistan where over 1,100 non-U.S. troops died.
Historical Context of Trump's NATO Stance
- Trump has a history of questioning NATO allies' commitment, including baseless claims that NATO troops "stayed a little back" in Afghanistan.
- Since the U.S. and Israel launched the Iran war on February 28, Trump has intensified his criticism.
- He contrasted U.S. support for Ukraine, saying "Ukraine wasn’t our problem," but noted the U.S. has not authorized new military or financial aid to Ukraine under the Biden administration, only providing intelligence and allowing European weapon purchases.