Can the US leave NATO? What Trump’s hints could mean

Donald Trump has once again raised the possibility of withdrawing the United States from NATO, a move that would mark one of the most significant shifts in global security policy in decades.

The military alliance, founded in 1949, is built on the principle of collective defense, where an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all.

Trump’s latest comments come amid tensions over the war on Iran, where NATO allies have not offered direct support. However, the alliance’s charter does not require members to join conflicts unless a member state is attacked, making such expectations legally and structurally complex.

This is not the first time Trump has criticized NATO. He has repeatedly argued that European allies do not contribute enough to defense spending and has questioned the alliance’s effectiveness. His remarks have already pushed some NATO members to increase military budgets in recent years.

While a full US withdrawal would face legal and political barriers, including the need for congressional approval, experts say there are other ways Washington could reduce its role.

Even partial disengagement could have far-reaching implications, given the US’ central role in NATO’s military capabilities, deterrence strategy and nuclear umbrella.