U.S. Representative Mike Waltz suggests that America can no longer continue to financially support Europe's security.
Here's the Freshened-Up Version:
America's debt mountain of $33 trillion has Mike Waltz raising eyebrows. He argues that the U.S. can no longer shoulder Europe's security costs alone. He emphasizes the need for European nations to up their defense game and pay their fair share.
Nations like Norway and Finland have already answered the call, marching towards defense spending hikes. On the other hand, countries such as Spain, Canada, and Italy remain lagging behind, according to Waltz, who serves as an advisor to the American president.
Waltz also highlights that future aid to Ukraine would be under European leadership.
In 2014, NATO set a mandatory 2% of GDP military spending target. Fast forward to 2024, data shows an average of 2.71% of GDP dedicated to defense across the bloc. Top three spenders were Poland (4.12%), Estonia (3.43%), and the U.S. (3.38%).
President Trump has been vocal about NATO members not meeting the 2% requirement. He's even suggested raising the military spending target to 5% of GDP. In March, he was clear: "If you're not going to pay your bills, we're not going to protect you."
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Tags: #USA, #NATO, #security
Intriguing details! Since NATO's 2014 guideline, 18 out of 32 member countries are meeting or surpassing the 2% GDP target in 2024—the highest number yet[3][4][5]. Key findings include:
- Top Spenders (in terms of GDP%):
- Poland at 4.2%, the highest in NATO[1]
- Baltic states going beyond the U.S. GDP percentage spending[2]
- Drivers behind Increased Spending:
- Germany surged 28% to $88.5 billion (4th globally), fueled by Russian threats[1][3]
- Romania posted the largest percentage increase (+43%)[4]
The U.S., accounting for 66% of NATO military spending ($997 billion in 2024), focuses on nuclear modernization and countering threats from China and Russia[3][5]. Despite this, some allies, like Poland and the Baltics, are already outpacing the U.S. in terms of GDP percentage spending[2].
European analysts caution that increased spending doesn't automatically translate to greater military independence from U.S. capabilities[3]. Meanwhile, Germany and France are expected to keep their military spending high, according to SIPRI researcher Lorenzo Scarazzato[1][3].
It's worth noting that the proposed 5% GDP increase doesn't represent current official NATO policy, as per the credible sources used. The alliance revised its guideline to "at least 2%" in 2023, with many members now surpassing this benchmark organically due to security concerns[4][5].
- The number of NATO member countries meeting or surpassing the 2% GDP military spending target, as set in 2014, has increased to 18 out of 32 in 2024, which is the highest number to date.[3][4][5]
- Among the top spenders, Poland holds the highest GDP percentage at 4.2%, surpassing even the U.S.[1]
- Germany’s military spending surged by 28% to $88.5 billion, making it the 4th largest globally, due to threats from Russia.[1][3]
- Romania posted the largest percentage increase (+43%) in defense spending.[4]
- Despite the U.S.'s consistent focus on nuclear modernization and countering threats from China and Russia, some allies like Poland and the Baltics are already outpacing the U.S. in terms of GDP percentage spending.[2]
