Trump’s NATO pressure risks eroding alliance trust without a formal exit

Trump can’t unilaterally quit NATO due to a 2023 law, but his rhetoric and punitive moves toward allied states that didn’t back the Iran war risk undermining mutual trust. He could still punish allies without withdrawing by shifting troops or officers or blocking consensus, plans that could degrade readiness and loyalty within the alliance. Experts warn that the damage to Article 5-style solidarity could linger beyond his presidency even as Europe seeks less reliance on the U.S., though day-to-day cooperation remains ongoing.