Can Donald Trump singlehandedly withdraw the US from NATO? | CNN Politics

For years, President Donald Trump has voiced sharp criticism of NATO, including a slew of statements since the beginning of the Iran war. In two recent interviews, he has said he would consider taking the significant step of withdrawing the United States from the alliance altogether. Trump told Britain’s Telegraph newspaper in an interview published Wednesday that he would reconsider the US’ NATO membership. He later doubled down, telling Reuters he was “absolutely” considering withdrawing from the alliance. The president has heavily criticized European countries for not being more willing to help with the war in Iran and to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Yet 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 Repu