Major NATO nations largely support Trump's proposal to increase defense expenditure to 5% of their respective GDP, according to Mark Rutte's statement.
Trump's Defense Budget Demands at NATO
US President Donald Trump urges US allies to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP to free up resources for America's security priorities.
NATO Support for Trump's Demands
As of Thursday, NATO allies have shown broad support for US President Donald Trump's demand that they boost their defense spending to 5% of GDP. NATO's Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that they were "really close" to achieving this goal[1].
While some European allies have already been investing heavily in their armed forces since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022[1], not all allies are on board with Trump's spending demands.
Challenges in Meeting the Goal
In 2023, NATO leaders agreed to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense budgets[1]. As of now, 22 out of 32 member countries have adhered to this goal, with others still grappling to meet the target[1].
The New Goal: 5% Defense Spending
The proposed 5% defense spending goal involves a 1.5% increase over the current 2% goal. All 32 countries would be investing the same percentage[1].
Struggling Allies
According to NATO's most recent figures, the United States was estimated to have spent 3.19% of GDP on defense in 2024, down from 3.68% a decade ago. This makes the U.S. the only ally whose defense spending has decreased since 2014[1].
US Influence and Leverage
Trump's stance has provided him significant leverage over other NATO countries, with his suggestions casting doubts on the United States' commitment to defending allies that don't invest enough in their defense[1].
Infrastructure Investments and Readiness
The new goals also require investments in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airfields, and sea ports to expedite the deployment of armies[1].
Impact on European Security
Any potential reduction in U.S. troop presence in Europe might require European allies to address any security gaps[1]. Although the Pentagon's plans are undisclosed, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that it is necessary for the U.S. to continually review its force posture[1].
NATO's "Capability Targets"
At the meeting, NATO members approved purchasing targets for stocking up on weapons and military equipment. The new targets lay out goals for each country to purchase high-priority items such as air defense systems, long-range missiles, artillery, ammunition, drones, and strategic enablers like air-to-air refueling, heavy air transport, and logistics[1].
Negotiations and Discussions Ongoing
The timeline for achieving the 5% target is still under discussion, with estimates ranging from five to ten years[1]. The NATO summit in The Hague on June 24-25, 2025, is expected to formalize this commitment[1]. Despite some obstacles, there's optimism about agreeing on a unified stance on increased defense spending[1].
Related
- Slovakia's Fico: 'Ukraine will not be invited to join NATO'
- NATO noncommittal on Ukraine's membership as Zelenskyy unveils victory plan
References
[1] Reuters. (2022, June 02). NATO allies endorse Trump’s demand for defense spending boost, timeframe still uncertain. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-allies-endorse-trumps-demand-defense-spending-boost-timeline-still-uncertain-2022-06-02/
[2] CNN. (2022, June 02). Pentagon clarifies that Hegseth comment on NATO military spending was not an official statement. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/02/politics/pentagon-clarifies-hegseth-comment-nato-military-spending/index.html
[3] Defense News. (2022, June 02). Trump Urges NATO Allies to Increase Defense Spending to 5%, Says He Has Leverage to Do So. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/05/31/trump-urges-nato-allies-to-increase-defense-spending-to-5-says-he-has-leverage-to-do-so/
Tagged Keywords:
- Donald Trump
- NATO
- War in Ukraine
- Military Spending
- Europe
- Defense Budget
- Trump's Demands
- Increased Defense Spending
- Security Priorities
- Indo-Pacific
- US Borders
- Ukraine
- Investments in Civilian Infrastructure
- Troop Withdrawal
- Pentagon's Force Posture
- NATO Summit
- "Capability Targets"
- Defense Allies
- Trump's Leverage
- Europe's Security Gaps
Insights:
- Timeline: The timeline for achieving the 5% defense spending goal is being discussed, with estimates ranging from five to ten years[1].
- ** confirmed that the goal of 5% defense spending was meant to be reached over a ten-year period[1].
- Small print on the plan: Each country's plan is classified, so details are scarce[1].
- Previous Spending Levels: As of 2024, the U.S. was estimated to have spent 3.19% of GDP on defense, down from 3.68% a decade ago[1].
- Clarification needed: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that his comment on NATO military spending was not an official statement[2].
- Political discussions and legislative decisions surrounding war-and-conflicts are being made, as President Trump urges NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, with this proposed target involving a 1.5% increase over the current 2% goal.
- The proposed increase in defense spending is part of the broader political landscape, with general news coverage focusing on the challenges faced by NATO members in reaching the new goal, as well as implications for European security and infrastructure investments.
