Trump’s NATO Spending Push Gains Support — But With Conditions | Live Updates

Trump’s NATO Spending Push Gains Support — But Not Without Reservations

As global security concerns grow, Trump’s NATO spending push gains traction among allies—but not without caveats. During the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, President Donald Trump called on NATO member states to ramp up their defense budgets to 5% of GDP. The proposal was met with cautious approval, reflecting both support for increased military readiness and hesitancy over the scale and speed of implementation.

Trump’s NATO Spending Push Gains Momentum at The Hague Summit

At the heart of the summit, Trump’s NATO spending push gains credibility as allies, for the first time, formally committed to a 5% defense spending goal. President Trump, joined by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, addressed the press, expressing satisfaction with the progress made.

“This was a tremendous summit,” Trump said. “We’ve secured a historic agreement that shows NATO’s strength and unity. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved here.”

Rutte reinforced the sentiment, stating, “The United States is fully committed to NATO and Article 5. This renewed effort in defense spending reflects that commitment.”

Trump’s Defense Demands Meet a Flexible Commitment

While Trump’s NATO spending push gains ground, the fine print reveals a more flexible timeline. Although member states verbally backed the 5% goal, many also emphasized the long-term nature of the increase and the need to adapt national budgets gradually.

France and Germany, for example, expressed support for increased defense funding but indicated it would take several years to fully implement. Spain, notably, withheld immediate endorsement of the 5% target, signaling internal political and economic challenges.

Despite this, Trump called the partial consensus a “huge win,” stating, “Even partial movement in the right direction is something no American president has gotten before.”

Article 5 Reaffirmed Amid Spending Debate

As Trump’s NATO spending push gains global attention, so does the underlying question of U.S. commitment to NATO’s core principle: Article 5. The clause guarantees collective defense in case any member is attacked.

Trump, who in previous years expressed skepticism toward the alliance, affirmed his commitment to the mutual defense agreement. “Of course, the United States will stand by its allies. Why would I be here if not?” he said during a bilateral meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged political leaders and the media to stop questioning the U.S. role. “The United States is fully engaged. Let’s stop doubting their resolve.”

Trump’s NATO Spending Push Gains Praise for Iran Strike and Ceasefire

Beyond spending, Trump’s NATO spending push gains even more legitimacy due to his recent actions in the Middle East. His decisive military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, followed by brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, earned him praise from NATO leadership.

Rutte, in a public address, commended Trump’s leadership: “You are a man of strength and peace. What you’ve done for regional stability deserves global recognition.”

Trump also shared supportive messages from Rutte on social media, with the NATO chief reportedly texting: “No one else could’ve done this. It makes us all safer.”

NATO Allies React to Middle East Escalation and Trump’s Role

While Trump’s NATO spending push gains ground, his actions in Iran raised mixed reactions. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the importance of neutralizing Iran’s nuclear threat but emphasized diplomacy moving forward.

“Iran’s nuclear program is a grave threat. But long-term peace depends on returning to negotiations,” Starmer posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the call for de-escalation, urging for broader peace across the Middle East, including Gaza.

The International Atomic Energy Agency later confirmed that several Iranian nuclear sites were “severely damaged” during the U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Iran Responds to Attacks: Nuclear Facilities Damaged

As Trump’s NATO spending push gains headlines, Iran’s response has been swift. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei admitted that their nuclear infrastructure suffered repeated attacks from U.S. and Israeli forces.

“Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged,” Baghaei said in an Al Jazeera interview. He noted Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been suspended, though the country remains part of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Trump, meanwhile, claimed the attacks led to the “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, U.S. intelligence agencies later clarified that the strikes likely set back Iran’s program by only a few months.

Conclusion: NATO Shifts as Trump’s Spending Push Shapes Future

The 2025 summit marked a turning point as Trump’s NATO spending push gains measurable progress. Though not all nations committed immediately or fully, the symbolic move toward 5% defense spending indicates growing consensus on strengthening NATO’s posture amid global tensions.

President Trump, bolstered by recent military and diplomatic successes, left The Hague with significant praise. From Iran to Europe, his influence over NATO’s direction appears stronger than ever.

While uncertainties remain—especially regarding long-term budget implementations and potential fallout from Iran—the summit’s tone was clear: Trump’s NATO spending push gains real political weight, setting the stage for a new era of defense collaboration.

Read more: NYT Mini Crossword Answers