Can the United States Leave NATO?

Can the United States Leave NATO? What It Would Take—and What It Would Mean

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, commonly known as NATO, has been one of the most powerful military alliances in modern history. Since its creation in 1949, the United States has been NATO’s strongest member—militarily, financially, and politically. But in recent years, debates have grown louder about whether the U.S. should remain in the alliance. This raises a serious question: how could the United States be removed from NATO—or leave it—and what would that mean for the world?

First, it is important to clarify one key point: no country can forcefully remove the United States from NATO. NATO is a voluntary alliance. Every member joins by choice, and every member has the legal right to leave on its own. The North Atlantic Treaty, specifically Article 13, allows any member to withdraw after giving one year’s formal notice.

This means the only realistic way for the U.S. to exit NATO is by its own decision.

The process would begin inside the United States itself. The President could announce an intention to withdraw, but the issue is not that simple. NATO membership is tied to U.S. law, Congress, and long-standing defense commitments. In recent years, lawmakers have passed legislation requiring Congressional approval before the U.S. can leave NATO. This creates a major legal barrier.

In practical terms, a U.S. withdrawal would require either:

Approval from Congress, or

• A legal challenge that reaches the courts, possibly the Supreme Court
• Without this, a presidential decision alone could be blocked or delayed.

Even if the legal path were cleared, the political resistance would be intense. NATO has strong support across much of the U.S. military, intelligence community, and political establishment. Many leaders see NATO as essential for U.S. global influence, European stability, and deterrence against rivals like Russia.

Public opinion also matters. While some Americans question NATO’s costs, others see it as a shield that prevents larger wars. A move to leave NATO would likely face protests, media backlash, and internal division.

If the United States did withdraw, the impact on NATO would be dramatic. The U.S. provides a large share of NATO’s military capabilities, intelligence systems, and nuclear deterrence. Without Washington, NATO would still exist, but it would be weaker, smaller, and more regionally focused.

European countries would be forced to respond quickly. Some might increase military spending and push for a stronger, independent European defense system. Others could seek new security arrangements outside NATO. The balance of power in Europe would change overnight.

Globally, a U.S. exit from NATO would send a powerful signal. Allies in Asia, the Middle East, and elsewhere might question America’s long-term commitments. Rivals could see the move as a sign of retreat or internal instability. Trust, once damaged, is difficult to rebuild in international relations.

There would also be economic consequences. Defense industries, military bases, and joint operations are deeply connected to NATO structures. A withdrawal could disrupt contracts, jobs, and long-term planning on both sides of the Atlantic.

It is also worth noting that leaving NATO does not automatically make the U.S. safer or more isolated. The United States would still face global challenges such as cyber threats, terrorism, climate-related instability, and great-power competition. NATO is only one tool among many—but it is a significant one.

In the end, removing the United States from NATO is not something that can happen quickly or quietly. It would require legal approval, political consensus, and acceptance of serious global consequences. Whether one supports or opposes NATO, the discussion highlights a larger truth: alliances shape the world we live in, and changing them reshapes global stability.

The debate over NATO is not just about one organization. It is about how nations cooperate, share responsibility, and manage power in an increasingly uncertain world.