US lawmaker warns Trump unilateral NATO exit would violate federal law
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi warned President Trump that any attempt to withdraw the US from NATO without congressional approval would violate federal law and jeopardize national security. The Democrat cited binding legislation requiring Senate consent or an act of Congress for withdrawal.
US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi on Wednesday warned President Donald Trump that any attempt to withdraw the United States from NATO without congressional approval would violate federal law and jeopardize national security. In a letter sent following Trump's White House closed-door meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Krishnamoorthi expressed "deep concern" over the president's recent rhetoric questioning US participation in the alliance.
Legal restrictions
The Democrat emphasized that Congress has already passed binding legislation prohibiting a president from unilaterally exiting NATO without the consent of two-thirds of the Senate or an act of Congress. "Any unilateral U.S. exit from NATO would be both strategically reckless and blatantly illegal under current law. Moreover, your rhetoric on this issue risks strengthening our adversaries at the expense of our own security," he wrote.
Alliance concerns
He also cautioned that even raising doubts about the US commitment to NATO could weaken the alliance's deterrent power at a time of heightened global instability. "I strongly urge you to reverse course and recognize the clear requirements of U.S. law. We must strengthen—not weaken or question—the alliances that have preserved peace and security for generations," the lawmaker concluded.
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Trump's criticism
Trump said Wednesday that NATO failed to support the US during its war with Iran. Earlier, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump believes NATO was "tested, and they failed" during the Iran war. The comments come as the US and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with talks scheduled in Islamabad.
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