‘Everyone should be scared as hell’: Democrats call for Trump-proofing NATO

Trump said he would “encourage” Russia to attack member countries that don’t meet NATO ’s financial commitments.

“Everyone should be scared as hell,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen .

Lawmakers touted defense policy legislation signed into law in December that prevents any president from withdrawing the U.S. from NATO without approval from the Senate or an act of Congress .

The response from treaty members is still dependent on individual governments deciding to act, and there is no penalty for inaction.

For many Republicans , Trump ’s comments were simply rhetoric aimed at cajoling Europe to pay more for its defense.

For the U.S. to be in NATO , it has to be actively in NATO or else it becomes comatose.