Will Trump be able to withdraw the US from NATO?
US President Donald Trump has stated that he is seriously considering the possibility of the United States withdrawing from NATO. Such a move could have significant consequences for the security architecture established after the Second World War. The Guardian has analysed the situation.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was established in 1949 as an alliance with an initial 12 members, including the US, the UK, France, Canada and Denmark. The alliance now comprises 32 countries.
NATO’s core principle is collective security, enshrined in Article 5. It stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. This mechanism has been invoked only once, following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, when the allies supported the military operation in Afghanistan.
Why is Trump considering withdrawal?
Trump’s statements are linked to the fact that NATO allies did not support the US in the war against Iran. At the same time, the alliance’s charter does not oblige countries to participate in such conflicts unless a NATO member has been attacked.
Trump has called NATO a “paper tiger” and stated that the US withdrawal from the alliance is a matter that has already been effectively decided. He also noted that allies do not act in support of the US in the same way that the US supports Europe.
Trump has previously criticised NATO countries on numerous occasions for insufficient defence spending and described the alliance as obsolete.
Impact on allies
The US President’s statements have influenced the stance of European countries. In June, NATO countries agreed to raise their defence spending targets to 5 per cent of GDP by 2035.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also shown support for the US position, particularly regarding the war with Iran.
The role of NATO and the US
NATO’s support, particularly military aid to Ukraine, plays a vital role in deterring Russian aggression. This also affects the security of alliance member states, including Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
The US provides its allies with a nuclear umbrella and maintains military bases in Europe, notably in Germany and Turkey.
Is a US withdrawal possible?
A US withdrawal from NATO is a complex process. Legislation passed in 2024 prohibits the president from withdrawing from the alliance without the support of two-thirds of the Senate or a decision by Congress.
At the same time, other steps are possible that do not involve formal withdrawal. These include the withdrawal of American troops from Europe or a reduction in participation in the alliance’s military structures.
