Top Foreign Affairs Republican predicts US won’t leave NATO but will strengthen it
Top Foreign Affairs Republican Sen. Jim Risch has expressed confidence that the United States will not abandon NATO under the Trump administration. Instead, he has promised to work with President Trump to strengthen the alliance.
In a recent interview, Sen. Risch, who leads the Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the importance of getting Trump’s team in place. He expressed cautious optimism that Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, will be confirmed by Inauguration Day.
During a meeting with Trump, Sen. Risch noted that the president discussed foreign policy priorities, but did not disclose specific details. Despite Trump’s previous threats to withdraw from NATO, Sen. Risch remains steadfast in his belief that the alliance is essential in the face of Russian aggression.
Moreover, Sen. Risch highlighted the bipartisan support for NATO, citing a congressional vote that overwhelmingly passed legislation barring any president from exiting the alliance without Senate approval or an act of Congress. This provision, championed by Rubio, underscores the commitment of the United States to NATO.
While acknowledging that some NATO members have been slow to meet the 2% defense spending target, Sen. Risch stressed the need for all allies to increase their contributions. He expressed confidence that President Trump’s push for greater defense spending will encourage European countries to fulfill their obligations.
In addition to strengthening NATO, Sen. Risch emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Iran. He indicated his support for a return to a “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at tightening sanctions to weaken the Iranian regime.
Overall, Sen. Risch’s remarks underscore the United States’ commitment to NATO and its efforts to confront global challenges, such as Russian aggression and Iranian destabilization. By working closely with the Trump administration, he aims to bolster transatlantic security and promote stability in the international arena.
