Former President Donald Trump recently suggested a significant realignment in U.S. foreign policy, hinting that a withdrawal from NATO could occur without congressional approval.
Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with NATO, pointing out that the U.S. has shouldered an exorbitant financial burden for many years.
“Well, I’m disappointed in NATO, that we spend trillions of dollars on NATO. Think of it, trillions over the years. Many trillions of dollars,” he stated. “It’s one of the reasons we have deficits and we help other countries.”
He further claimed that the executive branch alone could make such a decision regarding NATO’s future.
“I don’t need Congress for that decision, as you probably know. I can make that decision myself,” Trump remarked. “I’d always deal with Congress anyway, but I don’t need Congress for that decision.”
“Frankly, Ukraine would have been over in the first day,” Trump added.
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JUST IN: President Trump says he is thinking about leaving NATO, says he doesn’t need approval from Congress.
Reporter: Are you rethinking the United States’ relationship with NATO? Possibly getting out?
Trump: I’m disappointed in NATO that we spend trillions of dollars on… pic.twitter.com/zNVkPrZQOa
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Trump’s comments arise during a time of escalating tensions between the U.S. and various NATO allies regarding military involvement in the Middle East, particularly concerning actions against Iran. Earlier, he criticized NATO allies on Truth Social for their reluctance to support U.S. military operations.
“The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran,” Trump posted. “I always considered NATO… to be a one-way street — We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need.”
“Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID!” he emphasized.
Trump also broadened his perspective beyond Europe, asserting that the U.S. does not depend on allies like Japan, Australia, or South Korea.
“Speaking as President of the United States of America… WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!” Trump declared.
His statements are expected to reignite discussions in Washington about presidential powers over foreign alliances. While treaties like NATO require Senate ratification, the issue of whether a president has the authority to unilaterally withdraw remains contentious and debated.
At this time, Trump has not officially begun any withdrawal processes, but his remarks suggest that America’s commitment to NATO could once again be under scrutiny.
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