18:02 03-04-2026

Trump Considers US Exit from NATO, Europe Alarmed

Trump’s statements about a possible US exit from NATO raise alarm in Europe, with scenarios outlined on how Washington could weaken the alliance.

Statements by US President Donald Trump about a possible US withdrawal from NATO have heightened concerns among European allies. This follows his criticism of the alliance, including dissatisfaction with allies' refusal to support Washington in the military campaign against Iran, Politico reports.

According to the publication, Trump is considering the possibility of leaving NATO and has questioned the reliability of allies, expressing doubts that they would support the United States if needed.

Politico outlines several scenarios under which the US could undermine the alliance.

The first involves intensifying anti-NATO rhetoric and continued doubts about Article 5, which, according to experts, erodes trust within the bloc and encourages external rivals to test its cohesion.

The second scenario involves the US acting as a «spoiler» within the alliance by blocking decisions, delaying agreements, and potentially reducing financial contributions, which could disrupt NATO’s functioning.

The third option involves reducing US engagement in NATO structures, weakening the alliance’s operational coherence without formally leaving it.

The fourth scenario is a «soft exit,» in which the US could withdraw from key planning mechanisms or effectively boycott alliance processes, disrupting decision-making.

The most radical option is a formal US withdrawal from NATO, which requires Senate approval and takes about a year, although the possibility of a unilateral move is not ruled out.

Experts and NATO diplomats warn that even discussing such scenarios already undermines the alliance’s system of collective security, although a full US withdrawal is still considered unlikely but dangerous.