U.S. Lawmakers Push for NATO Withdrawal, Calling It a ‘Cold War Relic’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican lawmakers are reigniting debates over U.S. involvement in NATO, with some calling for the nation to withdraw from the 75-year-old alliance, which they describe as a “Cold War relic.” Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, have been vocal critics, arguing that NATO no longer serves America’s interests.

“If you could snap your fingers and get us out of NATO today, would you?” Sen. Lee asked in a recent post on X. Rep. Massie responded unequivocally: “Yes.” Massie has long criticized the alliance, stating in 2022 that NATO’s purpose ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. “I would withdraw us from NATO,” he told The Washington Post. “It’s a Cold War relic. Our involvement should have ceased when the wall fell and the Soviet Union collapsed.”

Sen. Lee echoed these sentiments, describing NATO as a “great deal for Europe” but a “raw deal for America.” In a tweet, he asserted, “NATO members must pay up now. If they don’t—and maybe even if they do—the U.S. should seriously consider leaving NATO.” Lee has repeatedly called for a reevaluation of America’s role in the alliance, emphasizing that the Cold War ended decades ago.

The debate comes amid broader discussions about U.S. foreign policy priorities. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, signed by President Joe Biden in late 2023, includes provisions that make it difficult for any president to unilaterally withdraw from NATO. The law states that the president cannot suspend, terminate, or withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty without the advice and consent of the Senate or an act of Congress.

Critics of NATO argue that the alliance disproportionately burdens the U.S. financially. Former President Donald Trump has been a prominent voice in this camp, questioning why the U.S. contributes “billions and billions of dollars more than Europe.” Trump‘s skepticism has resonated with many conservatives, who increasingly view NATO as misaligned with American interests.

Supporters of the alliance, however, warn that withdrawing from NATO would undermine global stability and weaken America’s strategic position. They point to NATO’s role in deterring Russian aggression, particularly in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite these arguments, skepticism about NATO’s value persists among American conservatives, with only 43% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents viewing the alliance favorably, according to a recent survey.

As the debate continues, the future of U.S. involvement in NATO remains uncertain. With influential lawmakers like Massie and Lee pushing for withdrawal, the alliance faces growing scrutiny from a significant segment of the American political landscape.