Can Donald Trump singlehandedly withdraw the US from NATO?

Despite Trump’s claims that he can withdraw the United States from the alliance, a law passed by Congress in 2023 says the move would require the advice and consent of the Senate, with two-thirds of senators in agreement, or an act of Congress.

The bill was co-sponsored by then-Sen. Marco Rubio, who is now the US secretary of state, and Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. It was later passed as part of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

The requirement for congressional approval means that even if all Republicans voted with Trump to withdraw the United States from NATO, it would require several Democrats — at least 14 if all Republicans are present — to join them to pass the legislation.

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MoveAlong · 70-79, M

He will have to try. That's what Putin wants him to do.

jefferson

if usa doe sleave nato it willhave to close all its bases all over europe, expensive, and not vert strategic, no places to refuel

pdockal · 56-60, M

A president might not officially exit the treaty but could still cripple US participation by ordering the withdrawal of troops from Europe or refusing to send military forces to assist allies under Article 5.

previous presidents have withdrawn from treaties without congressional approval,

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ElwoodBlues · M

@pdockal A treaty can't be made without advice and consent of the Senate. Sounds like ultimate treaty power there.

Congress has ultimate power over the purse strings. National Defense Authorization Acts are very specific. If Congress doesn't allocate money to move out of overseas bases, it can't happen.

The FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes approximately $900 billion in total defense funding, with significant allocations for overseas basing, infrastructure, and troop presence, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The act restricts reducing U.S. forces in Europe below 76,000, authorizes million for the Baltic Security Initiative, and heavily funds Pacific base infrastructure.

pdockal · 56-60, M

@ElwoodBlues

Never say never

Longpatrol · 31-35, M

The man seems to find loopholes eveywhere. Is there any other law on the books he can try to use to supercede this?

justanothername · 56-60, M

@Longpatrol He finds spineless sycophants who are happy to bend the knee.

MarkPaul · 26-30, M

As long as Marco Rubio berates the bill sponsors (himself included) and calls out the law as "stupid," while wearing oversized shoes (of course), Pedophile Cry-Baby-trump will be pleased and be able to fall into a blissful and stupefying nap.

fanuc2013 · 51-55, F

There will be no problem.getting the required votes in the Senate, but I think it s just a bluff

Northwest · M

@fanuc2013

There will be no problem.getting the required votes in the Senate, but I think it s just a bluff

And how did you come up with this conclusion?

ElwoodBlues · M

@fanuc2013 I don't think tRump can get anywhere NEAR 2/3 of the Senate to agree to withdraw from NATO.

In 2023, Congress passed, and then-President Joe Biden, a Democrat, signed into law, legislation barring any U.S. president from suspending, terminating, denouncing or withdrawing the United States from the treaty that established NATO unless the withdrawal is backed by a two-thirds majority in the 100-member Senate.

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