Explainer: Can Trump pull the US out of NATO? - Reuters

Reuters
April 1, 2026
3 min read

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Reuters examines the legal and procedural process for Trump to withdraw the US from NATO.

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Reuters examines the constitutional and procedural mechanisms by which President Trump could potentially withdraw the United States from NATO. The article explores the legal pathways and political obstacles involved in such a move, given that NATO membership is codified in a 1949 treaty requiring Senate ratification for withdrawal. Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for defense spending levels and has suggested the U.S. might leave the alliance if other nations don't increase military contributions. Any withdrawal would represent a historic shift in post-World War II foreign policy and could reshape European security arrangements. The explainer clarifies the distinction between Trump's stated threats and the actual legislative and treaty processes required to execute such a withdrawal.

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