Lead

WASHINGTON — Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the US Senate would not support an attempt to withdraw from NATO, responding to President Donald Trump's recent statements that he is considering leaving the alliance. Schumer's pledge, posted on X, came amid bipartisan criticism of Trump's remarks and pointed to a 2023 law that restricts a president's ability to unilaterally exit the alliance.

"I can promise this: the Senate will not vote to leave NATO and abandon our allies," Schumer wrote, according to TASS. He thanked Secretary of State Marco Rubio for sponsoring the 2023 bill requiring a two-thirds vote of the Senate for withdrawal, which became law in December 2023.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from The Guardian and TASS both confirmed Trump's consideration of NATO withdrawal, citing his April 1 interview with Reuters where he said he was "absolutely without question" considering leaving the alliance. The Guardian focused on bipartisan Senate defense of NATO, while TASS highlighted the legislative obstacles and expert analysis of Trump's chances.

Both sources noted Trump's frustration with NATO's refusal to participate in joint action with Israel against Iran. However, they differed in framing: The Guardian emphasized criticism of Trump's stance, while TASS presented the situation more neutrally, with one analyst suggesting Trump's statements were "rhetorical pressure" on allies.

Key Claims

  • Trump's consideration of withdrawal: Trump told Reuters he is "absolutely without question" considering withdrawing from NATO, and in an interview with The Daily Telegraph said withdrawal was "beyond reconsideration." This claim appeared in all three sources.
  • Legislative hurdles: A 2023 law requires a two-thirds Senate vote for withdrawal. Both The Guardian and TASS reported this, though The Guardian cited the law as passed in 2024, while TASS cited 2023. The law was signed in December 2023, according to TASS.
  • NATO's refusal to join Israel strikes: The Guardian reported NATO refused to participate in a joint assault with Israel against Iran, a claim not explicitly detailed in TASS reports.
  • Bipartisan defense of NATO: The Guardian quoted Republican Thom Tillis and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, co-chairs of the Senate NATO observer group, and former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Democrat Chris Coons. Tillis and Shaheen said any president considering withdrawal would be "fulfilling Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping's greatest dreams."
  • Article 13 of the NATO Treaty: TASS reported that a member may withdraw after one year's notice, citing political scientist Konstantin Kalachev.

Perspectives

US Political Response

Democratic and Republican senators alike defended NATO, emphasizing the alliance's role in collective defense and the sacrifices made by member states. McConnell and Coons, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate defense appropriations subcommittee, warned against taking allies' commitment lightly.

Russian Analyst View

Political scientist Konstantin Kalachev, an expert at the P.A. Stolypin Institute for Growth Economics, told TASS that Trump is unlikely to succeed in withdrawing due to congressional constraints. He noted that even most Republicans would likely oppose such a move, and that Democrats are poised to strengthen their position in upcoming midterm elections. Kalachev suggested that most actors interpret Trump's statements as rhetorical pressure rather than a serious policy shift.

Trump's Stated Position

Trump has been a longtime critic of NATO. In response to European allies refusing to participate in military operations alongside the US against Iran, he called them cowards and promised to "remember this," according to TASS. He also described NATO as a "paper tiger." His frustration stems partly from NATO's lack of support in what he characterized as the US war with Iran.