Trump says he might withdraw the U.S. from NATO, even though the law says he can't without Congress' approval - CBS News

CBS News
April 1, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Trump says he might withdraw from NATO, but Congress and constitutional law prevent him from doing so unilaterally.

How This Affects You

A U.S. NATO withdrawal could weaken American military alliances, increase defense costs for the U.S., and reduce European stability, potentially affecting America's global influence and security posture.

AI Summary

President Trump said he might withdraw the United States from NATO, despite legal constraints requiring congressional approval for such a move. Trump's statement revives a longstanding skepticism toward the alliance that he has expressed throughout his political career, reflecting his view that other member nations do not contribute fairly to collective defense costs. A U.S. withdrawal would represent a historic break from a 75-year security commitment that underpins European stability and American influence in Europe. NATO membership requires unanimous consent to remove a member, and Congress holds constitutional authority over treaty withdrawals, creating significant legal and procedural barriers to Trump's stated intention. The remarks signal potential friction between the White House and both Congress and U.S. allies at a time of heightened tensions in Eastern Europe.

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