Trump is threatening to leave NATO after allies rejected his Iran plea, but a Republican congressman says it would “implode” the entire party

Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska has warned that if President Trump tries to leave or break up NATO, it would cause a “civil war” inside the Republican Party and could “destroy” it for years. Bacon made these comments after Trump threatened to pull the US out of the alliance, following European allies’ refusal to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump vented his frustration, both online and in the Oval Office, calling NATO a “one-way street” and saying the US no longer needs the alliance. “We no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance, WE NEVER DID!” Trump wrote. “Speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”

The conflict in Iran, which started with US-Israeli attacks in late February, has disrupted fuel shipments from the Gulf and pushed global prices higher. According to Mediaite, Trump had asked NATO allies to help police the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, but several allies, including Poland, refused to send ships or forces to the region.

Leaving NATO would likely fracture the Republican Party beyond repair

When asked about Trump’s claim that he could pull out of NATO without congressional approval, Bacon flatly said, “He’s wrong.” He then explained what it would mean for the Republican Party. “If he broke up NATO on his own, it would be a civil war in the Republican caucus, or the conference,” Bacon said.

“Most of us would find that totally unacceptable. There’s a large group of us that believe in our alliances and standing up for freedom and pushing back on China and Russia. We don’t want war with these guys, but you’ve got to be strong. If he went in and somehow destroyed or tore up NATO, it would probably destroy the party for many years. There would be many that will never forgive that.” When asked directly if it would “destroy” the party, Bacon said, “I think it would implode.”

Trump has long been critical of NATO, often accusing member countries of not spending enough on their own defense and depending too much on the US. He has previously threatened to withdraw from the 32-nation alliance, which has been central to Western security since the Cold War. Meanwhile, Trump’s push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz reportedly includes a backup plan that would require US troops on Iranian soil.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has also strained relations with European allies through other actions, including his past threat to annex Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. Further divisions have also appeared over the war in Ukraine, migration, and social media regulation. Separately, Trump has also faced backlash for calling for treason charges against journalists reporting on his Iran war, a charge that carries the death penalty under US law.

Trump acknowledged that while he has “nothing currently in mind,” leaving NATO is “certainly something that we should think about.” He also repeated his belief that he does not need Congress to make such a decision. The situation points to a growing divide both within the Republican Party and between the US and its allies, with serious consequences for global security and domestic politics.