Congress recently passed a law mandating that any future U.S. president needs Senate approval or an Act of Congress to withdraw from NATO.
This provision was part of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, championed by Senators Tim Kaine and Marco Rubio, signaling Congress’s strong commitment to the NATO alliance amid global challenges.
The move comes in response to concerns about potential withdrawal discussions, particularly involving former President Donald Trump, who criticized NATO during his term.
While proponents emphasize the importance of congressional oversight, some experts, like Michael E. O’Hanlon, argue that presidents have historical precedent to withdraw from treaties independently.
The situation could pose a constitutional challenge, navigating uncharted territory.
