Ankara: Thomas Massie introduced a bill urging the US to withdraw from NATO, claiming the alliance places financial and diplomatic burdens on the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, Massie stated that NATO is a Cold War relic and advocated for the US to redirect its resources towards its own defense rather than supporting other countries. He emphasized that NATO's original purpose, which was to counter the Soviet Union, is now obsolete and has cost US taxpayers trillions.

Massie argued that NATO membership risks involving the US in unnecessary foreign conflicts and noted that many European members have the economic and military means to defend themselves. The bill further stated that US participation in NATO does not align with its national security interests and highlighted the changes in Europe's security landscape following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact.

Additionally, the bill criticized NATO's expansion eastward since 1999, questioning its relevance and necessity. In a related development, former US President Donald Trump expressed his views to Politico, criticizing European leaders for their handling of significant challenges and suggesting they lack decisive action. Trump's comments come on the heels of his previous calls for increased defense spending by NATO members and threats of expulsion for those not meeting targets.