NATO members convened at the annual Munich Security Conference to debate the potential ramifications of the United States' withdrawal from the military alliance if Donald Trump is re-elected to the White House. Hillary Clinton raised concerns, suggesting that Trump could swiftly exit NATO if given a second term, urging attendees to take his words seriously. Despite the anxiety surrounding the future of the U.S.-led pact, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg remained optimistic, expressing his belief that the U.S. will continue to be a steadfast ally regardless of the election outcome. The issue of U.S. commitment to NATO has been a point of contention, with recent comments from Trump regarding alliance spending raising further uncertainties. In response, the U.S. Congress passed a bill in December to prevent any unilateral withdrawal without congressional approval. U.S. Republican Senator Jim Risch dismissed the notion of the U.S. leaving NATO, emphasizing the significant legislative hurdles required for such a decision. Meanwhile, concerns over transatlantic military cooperation and European self-sufficiency have come to the forefront of discussions at the summit, as leaders from various European nations stress the need for increased defense spending. NATO recently announced progress in meeting the 2% spending target, with 18 member countries expected to reach this goal in the current year. The alliance is set to commemorate its 75th anniversary at an upcoming summit in Washington in July, with calls for continued commitment to defense spending targets among member states.