politics
Can the United States leave NATO?
Article 13 of the North Atlantic Treaty lets any member quit after one year's notice; legal precedent, domestic checks, and large strategic consequences would determine how a US withdrawal could proceed.
Apr 1st 2026 · United States
Insights
- NATO Article 13 allows any member to withdraw after giving one year's notice once the treaty has been in force for 20 years.
- The United States ratified the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949, so the Article 13 withdrawal option is available to it.
- There is no definitive Supreme Court rule requiring congressional approval for treaty withdrawal, and presidents have previously exited international agreements by executive action, for example the 2019 withdrawal from the INF Treaty.
- Congress could use funding powers or legislation to try to block or complicate a withdrawal, creating legal and political obstacles.
- A US exit would end mutual defense obligations under Article 5 and would require renegotiation of basing, command, and bilateral security arrangements with allies.