Trump Drives Historic NATO Defense Spending
The Hague, Netherlands, June 26, 2025 — The NATO summit in The Hague concluded with a transformative commitment to ramp up defense spending to Cold War-era levels, driven by U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for allies to bolster their military contributions.
The two-day summit, held on June 24-25, 2025, saw the 32 NATO member nations endorse a nonbinding agreement to increase defense budgets significantly, with a proposed target of 5% of GDP. This marks a sharp escalation from the previous 2% goal, which two-thirds of members have already met. The agreement, described as “historic” by Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, aims to counter rising security threats, particularly from Russia. “We’re witnessing the birth of a new NATO,” Stubb said, emphasizing the alliance’s renewed focus on collective defense.
Trump, a long-time critic of NATO allies’ spending levels, arrived at the summit fresh from issuing a public rebuke of Israel and Iran over cease-fire violations. His “America First” stance dominated discussions, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte tailoring the agenda to prioritize defense spending to align with Trump’s demands. Rutte’s text message to Trump, praising his leadership and predicting a “big win” for Europe’s increased contributions, was shared by Trump on social media, underscoring U.S. influence.
The summit reaffirmed NATO’s “ironclad commitment” to Article 5, the collective defense clause, addressing doubts sown by Trump in recent years about U.S. support for allies under attack. “They want to protect their country, and they need the United States,” Trump told reporters, signaling a shift in his view of the alliance as a “political chore” to a vital partnership.
Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia was a key focus, though the summit statement avoided mention of Kyiv’s membership prospects, instead emphasizing “enduring sovereign commitments” to support President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy, present at the summit, met with Trump for about 30 minutes and dined with leaders at the Dutch king’s residence. He warned that Russia’s capabilities could grow significantly by 2030, urging faster action.
The Israel-Iran conflict also loomed large, with leaders addressing its broader implications for global security. The United Kingdom announced plans to purchase at least a dozen nuclear-capable F-35 jets, while Spain hesitated on committing to the 5% spending target, reflecting varied allied responses.
The summit’s brevity—lasting just three hours with a one-page statement—was designed to maintain focus and avoid disputes, a strategy to accommodate Trump’s preferences. Dutch authorities mounted a €183.4 million security operation, the most expensive in NATO’s history, to ensure the event’s success.
What’s Next? The agreement’s nonbinding nature means implementation will vary, with European members and Canada facing a steep financial burden estimated at tens of billions. Analysts warn that Trump’s ambivalence toward NATO could resurface, potentially straining the alliance’s unity. Meanwhile, NATO’s focus on Russia as a primary threat and continued support for Ukraine signal a strategic shift in response to evolving global challenges. The alliance’s ability to balance these commitments with internal cohesion will shape its future in an uncertain geopolitical landscape.
