The Day America Abandons NATO
Americans all pay the price.
If President Donald Trump follows through on his repeated threats to withdraw the United States from NATO, it will be one of the most consequential and dangerous decisions in modern American history. This isn't just a foreign policy debate for diplomats and military strategists—it will impact the lives of every single American. From national security to economic stability, the fallout will ripple across the country in ways most people have not yet fully grasped.
Trump floated this idea during his first term, and those of us in national security took it as a grave threat. At the time, cooler heads prevailed. But now, with an administration that justifies every reckless move he makes, the danger is more real than ever. The past few days have been a case study in this dangerous trajectory—culminating in a disturbing Oval Office exchange between President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Watching that moment unfold, it became clear: we must prepare for the worst. The unraveling of NATO is no longer just a possibility—it's likely coming.
NATO: A Lifeline for America, Not a Burden
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established in 1949 as a collective defense pact between the U.S. and its European allies to counter the Soviet Union. The core of NATO is Article 5, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all. This has only been invoked once—after 9/11 when our allies came to defend us. In our darkest hour, NATO stood by America. That alliance kept us safe. A poignant reminder of that moment resides in the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
For decades, NATO has deterred Russian aggression, upheld a balance of power, and allowed the U.S. to project strength globally without engaging in direct wars on our own soil. However, under Trump, that stability is unraveling. The foundation of NATO itself is at risk. For most Americans, NATO might seem like an abstract foreign alliance. But if Trump pulls out, here's how it will hit home:
1. Higher Gas and Energy Prices