NATO partners have agreed to significantly increase defense budgets, aligning with President Donald Trump’s longstanding advocacy. This decision, announced at the NATO summit on Wednesday, arises amid growing international tensions.
“United, allies have established the groundwork for a stronger, more equitable, and deadlier NATO,” stated NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. “This will propel a significant advancement in our collective defense capabilities.”
The 32 NATO allies agreed to more than double their defense spending target to 5% of their GDP by 2035.
President Trump celebrated the agreement.
“People said it was impossible. They credited me, saying, ‘You made it happen, sir.’ Whether that’s true, I believe I did,” Trump expressed.
For years the U.S. has contributed significantly more money to defense than other NATO countries.
“It’s a monumental win for the United States, because we were carrying much more than our fair share,” Trump said.
The NATO leaders also re-emphasized their ironclad commitment to the NATO security guarantee that all members will defend any member that is attacked. Secretary General Rutte says he hopes the increased defense spending will be a deterrent to adversaries.
“I cannot personally bring peace to the world. what We can do, collectively. Is to make sure that we are so well prepared. We are so strong that nobody will ever attack us,” Rutte said.
Some countries have already expressed doubts about actually reaching that target. Spain called the 5% target unreasonable and says it can not meet it.
President Trump slammed Spain and suggested he will make them pay more in tariffs as a result.
“They want a little bit of a free ride, but they have to pay it back to us on trade because I’m not gonna let that happen. It’s unfair,” Trump said.
The president added that he plans to directly negotiate with Spain on the issue.
