Sen. Mitch McConnell teamed up with a top Democrat to defy another one of President Trump’s America-first positions.
In a joint statement with Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, the entrenched Republican vowed that the U.S. would remain a part of NATO no matter what Trump does.
Trump administration officials slammed the NATO “alliance” after America’s supposed allies refused to help open the Straight of Hormuz that was strategically shut down by Iranian forces.
“Why are we in NATO?” Secretary of State Marco Rubio asked. “If in our time of need, we won’t be allowed to use those bases?”
SECRETARY RUBIO: Why are we in NATO? You have to ask that question. Why do we send trillions of dollars and have all of these American forces stationed in the region, if in our time of need, we won’t be allowed to use those bases? pic.twitter.com/DdYahXhli0
— Department of State (@StateDept) April 1, 2026
President Trump has echoed the same sentiment, in stronger terms, signaling a plan to break from the alliance that has cost the U.S. “billions.”
In response, McConnell and Coons issued a joint statement in defense of the NATO alliance:
NATO is the most successful military alliance in history. It has underpinned the security of the United States for more than 70 years.
The only time NATO has gone to war has been in response to an attack on America. NATO troops fought and died in Afghanistan and Iraq alongside American forces. 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. It is in our interest for all allies to tend this unity with care. United States joined NATO in 1949 when the Senate voted to ratify the NATO treaty, and the United States will remain in it. The Senate will continue to support the alliance for the peace and protection it provides America, Europe, and the World.
Despite the bipartisan defiance, NATO European leader Mark Rutte is reportedly spooked by Trump’s threat and plans to meet with the U.S. president.
“If anyone thinks here that the European Union or Europe can defend itself without the US, KEEP ON DREAMING! YOU CAN’T! We can’t!” Rutte warned.
“Europe — if you REALLY want to go it alone, and those of you who are planning for that, FORGET that you can ever get there with 5% [GDP for defense spending]. It will be 10%! You have to build up your own nuclear capability!”
“That costs billions and billions of euros. You will lose them. In that scenario, you would lose the ultimate guarantor of our freedom, which is the U.S. nuclear umbrella. So, hey, good luck!”
🚨 BREAKING: NATO SecGen MARK RUTTE will travel to meet President Trump in Washington next week — WSJ
This comes as Trump has been VERY tough on useless NATO allies not pulling their weight
Rutte KNOWS Trump means business and has told off Europe thinking they’re ANYTHING… pic.twitter.com/2sHpybPAf9
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 1, 2026
Stay tuned!
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