By Admin 
US President Donald Trump threatened to leave the North Atlantic Treaty Organization i.e. NATO on April 1, 2026. Even before this he had given threats many times, but this threat was not implemented. Why? Because leaving NATO is not just a press conference or tweet for America, but America can also lose the image of a global power country. Let us understand in the explainer why America cannot leave NATO?
Question 1: What is the process of leaving NATO membership?
answer: The birth of NATO in 1949 was a bitter compulsion born out of the debris of World War II, founded on the original North Atlantic Treaty. The process of exiting NATO is also mentioned in its Article 13. For:
- 20 year term: The treaty came into force on 24 August 1949. Therefore, after 1969, any member country got the right to exit.
- It is necessary to give notice: The country has to give written notice of denunciation to the US government (Treaty Depositary) only one year in advance.
- America’s role: America tells this information to all other member countries.
- Out after a year: Exactly one year after giving the notice, the country completely separates from NATO. No further approval or debate required.
This article is very simple and clear. There are no complex conditions or veto power in this. Just one year’s notice is enough.
Question 2: Then America can also leave NATO under Article 13?
answer: No. It is not so easy for America to leave NATO that Trump threatened and walked out. America itself has made it difficult. In 2023-24, the US Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 1250A. It was signed by former US President Joe Biden. It is written in it that the US President cannot suspend, terminate, deny or withdraw from NATO. To leave NATO, America needs 2/3 majority of the Senate or a separate law of Congress.
No fund can be used for this work. This law was specifically made to stop Trump. Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report R48868 states that this is the first law that prevents the President from withdrawing from a treaty. If Trump alone gives notice, there will be a constitutional crisis and the matter may go to the Supreme Court. That means Trump will not get rid of NATO just by making threats.
Question 3: Does America need NATO? If not then why?
answer: Foreign affairs expert and JNU professor Rajan Kumar says that NATO is not only the security of Europe but also the basis of America’s global power projection…
- US Military Base: About 1 lakh American soldiers are deployed in Europe. These bases cannot operate without NATO. If America leaves NATO, logistics, refueling and operations will become expensive and difficult.
- Intelligence Sharing: NATO’s global nervous system is intelligence sharing. Local intelligence provides intelligence about countries like Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. The Atlantic Council and the Belfer Center say America cannot do this alone.
- Mutual coordination: Many things including America’s F-35, ammunition and fuel are operated from other countries through NATO. Without NATO, America will have to fight alone.
According to Fair Observer’s report 2025, without NATO, America’s political weight in Europe will decrease. NATO makes America a European power. NATO’s share in US defense resources is only 15%, but its strategic value is very high.
Question 4: Despite this, what will happen if America tries to withdraw from NATO?
answer: Both parties in Congress (Democrats and Republicans) consider NATO the basis of American security. It is almost impossible for the withdrawal bill to pass in the Senate. Still, if America tries to leave, first of all a constitutional crisis will arise, then its global power will weaken, NATO will survive but will become weak…
- If Trump gives information under Article 13, it will be a direct violation of the law. The US Congress will immediately protest, hold hearings, try to stop funds or threaten impeachment.
- The matter may go to the Supreme Court. The court will rule on the basis of the Youngstown decision (1952) that the President cannot go against the law of Congress.
- There will be a big impact on the American economy. Military bases, trade and arms sales will be affected. The report of Rand and Wilson Center says that due to reduction in security promises, bilateral trade could fall by $ 450 billion.
- Global credibility on America will decrease. Allies will consider America as an ‘unreliable partner’. The rift has already increased after the Iran war. This could break the trans-Atlantic alliance.
At the same time, it will also affect NATO. NATO treaty will continue among the remaining 31 countries. Europe has already increased defense spending. Now European countries will rapidly build their defense infrastructure, but America’s lack of nuclear defense, command structure and modern technology will be felt.
Question 5: So are Trump’s claims of leaving NATO hollow?
answer: Rajan Kumar says, ‘Trump will continue his threats and efforts to withdraw from NATO. He can reduce funding and make statements against NATO, but will not be completely out.
NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance established on 4 April 1949, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. This is a collective security system, under which an attack on any one of the 32 member countries is considered an attack on all. Its purpose is to protect the independence and security of member states through political and military means.