NATO does not believe Trump's statements about the U.S. leaving the alliance are serious, according to Politico

The U.S. Congress and the Pentagon insist that there are no discussions underway regarding the country’s possible withdrawal from NATO. At the same time, within the Alliance itself, President Donald Trump’s high-profile statements are viewed more as a means of political pressure than as a genuine intention.

This is reported by Politico.

According to NATO diplomats, congressional aides, and defense officials, the Trump administration has not conducted the necessary consultations or initiated any procedures that would indicate preparations for withdrawal from the Alliance. The U.S. has also not initiated internal discussions within NATO or provided clear guidance regarding a change in its role within the bloc.

One high-level Senate aide emphasized: “There is no evidence that this is actually the case.”

The U.S. Department of Defense also confirmed that the issue of withdrawing from NATO is not on the agenda.

Experts note that even a hypothetical U.S. withdrawal from the Alliance would face serious legal obstacles. Specifically, under a 2023 law, such a decision would require the support of two-thirds of the Senate, making the scenario unlikely.

“Trump’s loud statements rarely turn into a structural break with NATO. Let’s not forget that the Alliance still serves the core strategic interests of the U.S.,” noted one diplomat.

According to Alliance officials, such rhetoric is primarily aimed at allies to encourage them to take more active steps—specifically, the participation of France and the United Kingdom in the operation regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Another diplomat summed up: “Trump’s threat looked like yet another bluff,” linking such statements to the traditional tactic of the U.S. increasing pressure on European partners during periods of crisis.