Overview
- Rep. Don Bacon told CNN that a unilateral attempt to break up NATO would trigger a Republican civil war and could destroy the party.
- Bacon said Trump is wrong to claim he can withdraw from the alliance without congressional approval.
- Trump suggested the United States could leave NATO without Congress and wrote on Truth Social that the U.S. does not need help from NATO or other allies.
- NATO allies declined U.S. requests to help escort ships and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the alliance has stated it will not join the U.S.-led war with Iran.
- Congress passed a 2023 law requiring approval to exit NATO, and legal analysts say any unilateral move would likely face a major court fight that could reach the Supreme Court.