Washington, April 9 (NationPress) An Indian-American Congressman has cautioned President Donald Trump that any attempt to withdraw the United States from NATO without the consent of Congress would be unlawful and would jeopardize national security.

In a letter dispatched following Trump’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi expressed his “grave concerns” regarding the President’s recent statements about potentially leaving the alliance.

“A unilateral departure from NATO by the US would be not only strategically irresponsible but also clearly illegal according to existing laws. Furthermore, your rhetoric on this matter poses a risk of empowering our adversaries at the cost of our own security,” he stated.

Krishnamoorthi referenced Trump’s recent declarations that he was “absolutely” contemplating withdrawal, had shown “disdain for NATO,” and hinted that “we don’t require them.” Additionally, he noted Trump’s assertion that “I don’t need Congress for that decision.”

The Congressman indicated that such statements raise alarms about the administration’s dedication to US law and long-standing alliances.

He pointed to a clause in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which prohibits any president from unilaterally exiting NATO.

According to the law, the President cannot “suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw” from NATO without the approval of two-thirds of the Senate or an act of Congress.

Krishnamoorthi emphasized that this provision underscores Congress’s constitutional role in treaty matters and enjoys significant bipartisan support.

“Congress has taken steps to ensure that dismantling one of the most significant alliances in American history cannot be accomplished solely through executive action, and doing so would be outright illegal,” he asserted.

He warned that even casting doubt on US commitment could harm the alliance.

“Abandoning NATO would undermine US credibility with allies and partners globally, embolden adversaries like Russia and China, weaken collective deterrence amid heightened global instability, and dismantle decades of bipartisan American leadership in establishing a stable international order,” he remarked.

He concluded by stating that mere rhetoric could diminish NATO’s deterrent capabilities, which rely on credible US leadership.

Krishnamoorthi urged the President to reconsider and reaffirm his commitment to alliances that have safeguarded global security for many years.

NATO, established in 1949, remains central to US security strategy in Europe. Its collective defense clause has been a crucial element of deterrence.