Republican senators Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell have spoken out in defense of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after former President Donald Trump indicated he is considering withdrawing from the alliance. Tillis, along with Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, emphasized NATO's historical support for the U.S., particularly during the September 11th attacks and in Afghanistan. They warned that any withdrawal would align with the interests of adversaries like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, undermining U.S. national security. McConnell and Democrat Chris Coons also reiterated the importance of NATO, stating that the sacrifices made by NATO troops should not be taken lightly. Trump's criticism of NATO has led to a rare division among Republicans, although the senators speaking out are in the final months of their political careers, with Tillis not seeking re-election and McConnell retiring. A 2024 law mandates that any withdrawal from NATO requires a two-thirds Senate majority or an act of Congress, making such a move politically challenging for Trump.