NATO leaders on Wednesday endorsed an increase in defense spending following pressure from President Trump, while reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to mutual defense after a short summit in the Netherlands.
The new target, to be phased in over the next decade, raises NATO defense spending to 5% of GDP, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars annually beyond the previous 2% benchmark. Under the plan, 3.5% of GDP will go toward core defense costs like troops and weapons, with an additional 1.5% directed toward broader security needs such as cybersecurity, infrastructure upgrades, and critical pipeline protection.
Speaking at a press conference afterward, Trump declared the outcome “a great victory,” and expressed hope that much of the new defense funding would go toward purchasing U.S.-made military equipment.
In a five-point statement, NATO’s 32 members formally backed the higher defense spending goal and restated their collective defense pledge under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, affirming that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
Trump had for years insisted that NATO allies increase their contributions to ease the burden on the U.S.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who hosted the gathering in The Hague, said the alliance would now become “stronger, fairer and more lethal,” crediting Trump for driving the agreement.
“Trump deserves all the praise,” Rutte said.
President Trump declined to give a clear commitment to NATO’s collective defense clause during remarks to journalists ahead of the summit. When asked about Article 5, Trump responded, “Depends on your definition,” adding, “There’s numerous definitions of Article Five. I’m committed to being their friend.” His comments came shortly after dining with European leaders in the Netherlands.
