American Congressman Thomas Massie has officially proposed the withdrawal of the United States from NATO, considering that the alliance is a relic of the Cold War and that U.S. participation has cost taxpayers trillions of dollars.

Thomas Massie argues that the original purpose of NATO is no longer relevant to the current national security interests of the USA and that European countries have the capacity to ensure their own defense. The congressman urged President Donald Trump to officially notify NATO about the withdrawal of the USA, invoking Article 13 of the treaty.

Although Trump had previously suggested withdrawing from NATO, there was no formal plan to implement it. Furthermore, American legislation complicates such a withdrawal, requiring Senate approval, which limits the president's ability to act unilaterally.