Newsweek: Trump’s Policies Could Fracture NATO Without US Withdrawal

In a report published on March 20, 2025, Newsweek warns that Donald Trump’s policies may lead to a significant rift within NATO, even if the United States does not officially exit the alliance. Since beginning his second term in January, Trump’s rhetoric about reassessing Washington’s commitments has raised alarms among NATO allies. Experts consulted by the magazine assert that Trump could undermine the unity of the alliance through both formal and informal means, jeopardizing the future of the West’s largest military coalition.

David Blagden, an associate professor of international security and strategy at the University of Exeter, argues that Trump does not need to withdraw from NATO to weaken it significantly. A mere suggestion from the White House of a refusal to uphold Article 5 of the NATO Charter, which ensures collective defense, could erode the bloc’s credibility.

“If the US presidential administration signals that it has no intention of defending allies in the event of an attack, NATO’s credibility will effectively be dead,” Blagden told Newsweek.

He notes that this informal approach could be more straightforward and quicker than the lengthy process of formal withdrawal, which would require congressional approval. The magazine highlights potential actions Trump might take, such as reducing funding for joint operations or pulling American troops from Europe, which could disrupt coordination within the alliance.

Known for his previous criticisms of NATO, Trump has labeled the organization as “obsolete” and has consistently urged European nations to increase their defense spending. His return to power has intensified concerns that he may act on threats made during the 2024 election campaign, when he indicated he would not defend allies who fail to meet their financial obligations. Newsweek cautions that such actions could result in a “quiet split” within NATO, where the alliance remains officially intact but effectively ceases to function as a cohesive military entity.