Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) is now reportedly sounding the alarm over the future of the Republican Party, warning that any unilateral move by President Donald Trump to withdraw from or dismantle NATO could trigger a political “civil war” within GOP ranks and leave lasting damage.
Speaking Tuesday on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, Bacon made clear that tensions are already high when it comes to America’s relationship with its allies. He acknowledged what he described as a “loss of trust” between the United States and NATO partners, arguing that repairing those ties will require significant effort. But he also drew a firm line, saying any attempt to abandon the alliance outright would be a step too far for many Republicans.
When asked whether Trump is correct in asserting he could leave NATO without congressional approval, Bacon did not hesitate. “He’s wrong,” the congressman said, rejecting the idea that such a major move could be taken unilaterally.
Bacon then delivered a stark warning about the political consequences if Trump were to pursue that path. He said that dismantling NATO without congressional backing would spark a “civil war” within the Republican caucus, noting that a large portion of GOP lawmakers strongly support maintaining alliances as a cornerstone of U.S. strategy.
According to Bacon, many Republicans view NATO not just as a military arrangement, but as part of a broader effort to stand firm against global competitors like China and Russia. At the same time, he emphasized that this approach is not about seeking conflict. “We don’t want war with these guys,” Bacon said, while stressing the importance of projecting strength.
Still, he warned that breaking from NATO could have consequences far beyond immediate policy disagreements. “If he went in and somehow destroyed or tore up NATO, it would probably destroy the party for many years,” Bacon said, adding that many Republicans would not forgive such a move. When pressed on whether the fallout could truly be that severe, he doubled down, saying the party could “implode.”
The remarks come as Trump has escalated his criticism of NATO, particularly after the alliance declined his request to join the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran. In a series of posts on Truth Social, the president lashed out at what he characterized as unequal burden-sharing, describing the alliance as a “one-way street.”
Trump went further, arguing that the United States no longer needs assistance from NATO or other allied nations, including Japan, Australia, and South Korea. Emphasizing America’s strength, he asserted that the country does not “need the help of anyone.”
The exchange highlights a growing divide within Republican circles over the role of alliances in U.S. foreign policy. While some, like Trump, question the value of longstanding partnerships, others argue that abandoning them could weaken America’s position and create instability at a time when global tensions are already high.
At its core, the debate reflects a broader tension between calls for independence and the realities of international engagement. Even as leaders emphasize strength and self-reliance, the potential costs of unraveling alliances—both politically and globally—remain a point of concern, particularly when decisions tied to foreign policy carry consequences that can extend far beyond Washington.
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