US Lawmaker Warns Trump Against NATO Exit, Calls Move ‘Illegal and Reckless’

A US lawmaker has cautioned President Donald Trump against any attempt to withdraw the United States from NATO without congressional approval, describing such a move as both unlawful and dangerous.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the warning in a letter following Trump’s closed-door meeting at the White House with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Krishnamoorthi expressed “deep concern” over Trump’s recent comments questioning continued US participation in the alliance, stressing that existing federal law bars any president from unilaterally exiting NATO without approval from two-thirds of the Senate or an act of Congress.

He warned that a unilateral withdrawal would be “strategically reckless” and “blatantly illegal,” adding that such rhetoric risks emboldening adversaries while undermining US national security.

The lawmaker also noted that even raising doubts about Washington’s commitment could weaken NATO’s deterrence at a time of growing global tensions.

“I strongly urge you to reverse course and recognize the clear requirements of US law. We must strengthen—not weaken—the alliances that have preserved peace and security for generations,” he said.

Trump, however, has criticized NATO’s role in recent conflicts, claiming the alliance failed to support the United States during its war with Iran.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt echoed the president’s stance, stating that NATO had been “tested” and did not meet expectations.

The exchange highlights rising tensions over the future of US involvement in NATO, a cornerstone of Western security cooperation.