1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The United States has been a cornerstone member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since its inception in 1949. Withdrawing from this vital alliance would severely undermine our national security and the security of our allies. NATO serves as a powerful deterrent against aggression and a crucial platform for cooperation on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and other transnational threats. Senator Mike Lee's proposal to withdraw from NATO is misguided and reckless. It would leave America isolated on the global stage, strain ties with our closest partners, and embolden adversaries like Russia and China who seek to undermine the rules-based international order. Moreover, withdrawing from NATO would abdicate America's leadership role, diminish our influence, and ultimately make us less safe. We must reaffirm our ironclad commitment to NATO and reject any efforts to abandon this indispensable alliance. Maintaining robust alliances is a core tenet of American foreign policy and a source of strength, not weakness. As the world grows more turbulent and complex, standing united with our NATO allies is imperative for preserving peace, security, and our vital national interests.