Two prominent Republican senators publicly opposed President Donald Trump's threats to withdraw the United States from NATO. Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina issued statements emphasizing the alliance's importance to American security.

Trump made the comments during interviews on Wednesday. He told Reuters he was "absolutely without question" considering pulling out of the alliance and told The Telegraph he had never been "swayed by Nato" with the matter "beyond reconsideration." The president criticized NATO after allies declined to join the U.S. and Israel in military actions against Iran, which began on February 28. Trump did not invoke NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause and noted the lack of consultation or support from partners.

Tillis, who co-chairs the Senate NATO Observer Group with Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, released a joint statement. "NATO stood by America when we were under attack and came to our aid after the September 11th attacks," they said. "Their soldiers fought and died alongside our troops in Afghanistan. Any president that contemplates attempting to withdraw from NATO is not only fulfilling Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping’s greatest dreams but would be undermining America’s own national security interests." They added that NATO is the "strongest and most successful military alliance in history" that promotes economic stability.

McConnell, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, joined with Democrat Chris Coons of Delaware in a separate statement on Wednesday. "Nato troops fought and died in Afghanistan and Iraq alongside American forces," they wrote. "The United States must not take this sacrifice – nor our allies’ commitment to make it again – lightly. Alliance disputes are as old as the alliance itself. Americans are safer when NATO is strong and united."

The opposition highlights bipartisan support for NATO amid Trump's longstanding criticisms. A 2024 law, drafted by then-Senator Marco Rubio, requires a two-thirds Senate majority or congressional action for any withdrawal, blocking unilateral presidential moves.

Trump has repeatedly questioned NATO's value, including over European defense spending and recent tensions. European leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have pushed back on U.S. demands related to the Iran conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed concerns on Fox News, questioning U.S. commitments given the lack of allied support.

Neither McConnell nor Tillis is seeking re-election, which may factor into their willingness to break with the president. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer affirmed the chamber would not approve an exit. The statements came as NATO allies met amid strained transatlantic ties.