Trump Hails NATO's New 5% Defense Spending Commitment as Major Achievement

In a significant shift in defense policy, NATO leaders have committed to a 5% increase in defense spending by 2035, championed by President Trump, who termed it a 'big win' for Europe and global stability.

NATO leaders have emerged from a summit in The Hague with a historic decision to elevate their defense spending to 5% of their nations' economic output by 2035, a move that underscores the alliance's response to pressing security threats. President Donald Trump, who has long advocated for heightened defense expenditures among NATO allies, celebrated this achievement, referring to it as a "big win for Europe and... Western civilization."

The announcement, which follows months of intense discussions, was made in a joint statement highlighting NATO's unity against "profound" security challenges, notably identifying the ongoing threat from Russia and acts of terrorism. The alliance reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to collective defense, with Secretary General Mark Rutte asserting, "No one should doubt our capacity or determination should our security be challenged," emphasizing that the alliance is evolving into a "stronger, fairer and more lethal" entity.

Contrary to last year's summit, where NATO strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, this year's statement was more restrained in its language regarding Russia. Trump, however, attempted to clarify U.S. commitments to NATO, stating his unwavering support for Article Five of the NATO treaty, which stipulates collective defense among member states.

The summit, considered historic by many leaders, addressed not only defense spending but also reiterated NATO's support for Ukraine and the ongoing pursuit of peace. The agreed increase in defense expenditures will see at least 3.5% of GDP from each member state allocated to core defense by 2035, alongside up to 1.5% for investments related to security infrastructure.

Despite Trump's optimism, not all nations were equally enthusiastic about the target. Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, publicly expressed concerns about the feasibility of the 5% goal, while Belgium and Slovakia also voiced reservations. Nevertheless, these leaders signed off on the statement, with Sánchez ultimately deeming the commitments as "sufficient, realistic, and compatible" for Spain.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised an eyebrow at Trump's confrontational approach to trade talks with the EU, asserting that allies shouldn't be at odds with one another while enhancing their defense capabilities. The day began with a royal dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima before concluding with a brief meeting of leaders focusing on pressing issues.

The summit not only reinforced NATO's mutual defense guarantees but also included discussions on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump acknowledged the challenging situation and suggested that further military support, including enhanced air defenses for Ukraine, may be necessary.

In their concluding statements, NATO allies reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine, recognizing its security as integral to their own. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized NATO's enduring relevance, framing the summit as a demonstration of the alliance's unity in a world fraught with volatility and uncertainty, proclaiming, “We’re bigger than we were before, we’re stronger than we were before.”