NATO agrees to higher spending
Share and Follow


WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – NATO allies agreed to a major hike in defense spending, something President Donald Trump has long pushed for. The new commitment was announced on Wednesday during the annual NATO summit and comes amid concerns over international conflicts.

“Together, allies have laid the foundations for a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said. “This will fuel a quantum leap in our collective defense.”

The 32 NATO allies agreed to more than double their defense spending target to 5% of their GDP by 2035. 

President Trump celebrated the agreement.

“Something that no one really thought possible. And they said you did it sir. You did it. Well, I don’t know if I did it but I think I did,” Trump said. 

For years the U.S. has contributed significantly more money to defense than other NATO countries. 

“It’s a monumental win for the United States, because we were carrying much more than our fair share,” Trump said. 

The NATO leaders also re-emphasized their ironclad commitment to the NATO security guarantee that all members will defend any member that is attacked. Secretary General Rutte says he hopes the increased defense spending will be a deterrent to adversaries.

“I cannot personally bring peace to the world. what We can do, collectively. Is to make sure that we are so well prepared. We are so strong that nobody will ever attack us,” Rutte said. 

Some countries have already expressed doubts about actually reaching that target. Spain called the 5% target unreasonable and says it can not meet it. 

President Trump slammed Spain and suggested he will make them pay more in tariffs as a result. 

“They want a little bit of a free ride, but they have to pay it back to us on trade because I’m not gonna let that happen. It’s unfair,” Trump said. 

The president added that he plans to directly negotiate with Spain on the issue. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Trump says US is in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels after ordering strikes in the Caribbean

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has declared drug cartels to be…

BMW Recalls Over 145,000 Cars Due to Fire Hazard from Overheating Starters

(The Hill) – BMW has recalled more than 145,000 vehicles over fire…

Airlines Aim to Reverse Consumer Protections – Here’s How Passengers Can Respond

(NEXSTAR) – In early September, the Trump administration announced the dismantling of…

Florida Enacts Stricter Penalties for Fleeing Law Enforcement: Detailed Analysis

ORLANDO, Fla. – A new Florida law that took effect Oct. 1…

Plant City police charge 2 more men with 14-year-old's 2024 murder

Video above: Homicide investigation underway after 14-year-old with ‘upper body trauma’ dies…

Mayor green lights Science Center development; residents call it 'giant win' for St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The City of St. Petersburg will move…

Identity and Work History of Suspended BCSO Deputy Uncovered

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — After an off-duty Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy…

Israeli Navy Stops Some Flotilla Boats as Others Approach Gaza Coast, Activists Report

JERUSALEM – Israeli navy soldiers boarded vessels and detained dozens of activists…