NATO Chief Applauds Trump for Forcing Europe to Boost Defense Spending

NATO Leader Praises Trump for Securing Major Defense Funding Commitment from Europe

Ahead of this year’s NATO summit in The Hague, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has openly praised President Donald Trump for achieving what no other U.S. leader had done before—convincing European allies to dramatically increase their defense spending.

According to a message later shared by Trump on Truth Social, Rutte said:

“Donald, you’ve driven us to a really, really important moment… Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win.”

The praise highlights a rare moment of unity between Trump and NATO’s leadership, despite years of tension over shared defense responsibilities.

📈 NATO Sets Historic 5% Defense Spending Target

Traditionally, NATO members have aimed to spend 2% of GDP on defense. But under renewed U.S. pressure, the alliance is now setting an ambitious 5% target to be reached by 2035.

This new target includes:

 

• 3.5% for military readiness and procurement

 

• 1.5% for cybersecurity, logistics, and strategic infrastructure

Several nations—such as Germany, France, and the UK—have already agreed in principle. However, others like Spain, Slovakia, and Belgium have raised concerns or secured limited opt-outs, citing economic strain.

🌍 A Response to Global Threats

The sharp rise in defense spending comes amid growing security challenges:

 

• The war in Ukraine continues to drain European resources.

 

• Rising tensions with Iran following recent U.S. strikes have widened the alliance’s focus beyond Eastern Europe.

 

• NATO is also bracing for new threats in cyberspace and global supply chain disruptions.

NATO leadership sees the spending shift as essential to maintaining deterrence, especially as doubts linger about future U.S. commitment.

🧭 Trump’s Strategic Leverage and Mixed Reactions

President Trump has long criticized NATO allies for what he called “free-riding” on U.S. defense guarantees. His administration made cost-sharing a centerpiece of its foreign policy. While his rhetoric once strained transatlantic ties, the outcome now appears to align with NATO’s evolving security goals.

However, not all reactions have been positive. Critics in Europe say the new 5% requirement will put significant strain on domestic budgets—especially in countries facing inflation, aging populations, or energy instability.

The shortened agenda for this year’s summit—focused almost entirely on defense spending—reflects NATO’s determination to maintain U.S. participation while avoiding divisive topics like Article 5 and leadership succession.

✅ Summary