Republican Rep. Warns The Party Will Go Through 'Civil War' If Trump Seeks To Pull Out Of NATO: 'It Would Implode'

Republican Rep. Don Bacon warned that the party would go through "civil war" if President Donald Trump seeks to pull out of NATO, saying it is imperative to strengthen relations with European allies damaged during the administration.

Speaking on CNN, Bacon recalled that other members of NATO have "gone to war on our behalf after 9/11," but noted that Trump "seems to forget that."

"But he's talked down to our nato allies from day 1. When you treat your allies disrespectfully you can't just expect them to jump when you say jump," Bacon added.

He went on to call on the president to "work on strengthening our alliances," noting that "if you have strong friendships, they're more willing to do this," likely in regards to providing aid in the war with Iran.

Asked if Trump is wrong to say he can leave NATO without congressional approval, Bacon issued a warning. "If he broke up NATO on his own there would be a civil war in the Republican conference. Most of us would find it totally unacceptable. I'm not alone," he said. "It would probably destroy the party for many years. it would implode."

Trump took aim at members of the Atlantic alliance on Tuesday, saying the U.S. doesn't need them after several members rejected his appeal to form a multinational coalition to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee the free flow of oil in the region despite the ongoing war in Iran.

Speaking to press at the Oval Office, he said the rejections were a "very foolish mistake." "Everyone agrees with us, but they don't want to help. And we, you know, we as the United States have to remember that because we think it's pretty shocking," he added.

Earlier, he had said in a social media post that "Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer 'need,' or desire, the Nato Countries' assistance _ WE NEVER DID!"