US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers a blunt warning to NATO allies: “You cannot rely on the United States to defend you” as President Trump pushes for an unprecedented 5% GDP defense spending commitment.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump is demanding NATO members increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, more than doubling the current 2% target
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte proposed a compromise of 3.5% for core military spending and 1.5% for broader security by 2032
- Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized that NATO allies must develop their own military capabilities and reduce dependence on American resources
- Germany may need to add 50,000-60,000 soldiers to meet new capability targets while Spain remains reluctant to increase military spending
- The upcoming Netherlands summit will address Ukraine support amid uncertainty about President Zelenskyy’s attendance
America First: Trump Administration Demands NATO Self-Sufficiency
The Trump administration is taking a hard stance on NATO defense spending ahead of the crucial summit in The Hague on June 24-25. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered an unmistakable message to European allies during pre-summit meetings in Brussels, making it clear that President Trump expects NATO members to dramatically increase their military contributions. The demand for 5% of GDP represents more than double the current 2% target that many members already struggle to meet, reflecting Trump’s longstanding position that European countries must take greater responsibility for their own defense.
“NATO allies cannot rely on the United States to defend them and need to step up themselves,” said Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary.
The administration’s position represents a continuation of President Trump’s first-term approach to the alliance, where he questioned America’s disproportionate financial burden. Hegseth’s statements indicate an even stronger stance in Trump’s second term, with the administration determined to reshape the alliance’s cost-sharing structure. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker reinforced this position by highlighting that while Article 5 mutual defense is important, allies must also fulfill their Article 3 obligations to build their own defensive capabilities.
NATO DEFENSE MINISTERS ARRIVE IN BRUSSELS FOR DEFENSE PLANNING
The meeting aims to confront growing security threats – and Trump's demand that allies increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Days before the summit, the UK quietly walked back its pledge to spend 3% of GDP… https://t.co/QQZWBW9G8f pic.twitter.com/ckTqnRtzjq
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 5, 2025
NATO’s Internal Divisions Over Spending Targets
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has attempted to find middle ground with a proposal that would require members to spend 3.5% of GDP on core military expenditures and an additional 1.5% on broader security measures by 2032. This compromise acknowledges the Trump administration’s concerns while providing a more realistic target for European allies. However, the proposal has already met resistance from several NATO members, with Spain being particularly reluctant, as it is only expected to reach the current 2% target by the end of this year.
Behind closed doors, diplomats are negotiating potential modifications to Rutte’s plan, including extending implementation timelines and adjusting annual increase requirements. The U.S. delegation has expressed support for Rutte’s framework but insists that each country must present a “credible path” to meeting these targets. This demand places significant pressure on European governments already facing domestic budget constraints and competing priorities, creating potential for further division within the alliance as the summit approaches.
“The United States is proud to be here, to stand with our allies, but our message is gonna continue to be clear: It’s deterrence and peace through strength, but it cannot be reliance,” said Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary. Politico.
Military Capabilities and Ukraine Support on the Summit Agenda
Beyond spending targets, NATO defense ministers are preparing to approve new capability requirements specifically aimed at deterring Russian aggression. These targets would require Germany to significantly expand its military forces by adding between 50,000 and 60,000 soldiers. This represents a major shift for Germany, which has historically maintained a more restrained military posture since World War II. The capability discussion highlights growing concerns about America’s long-term commitment to European security, with speculation that U.S. strategic focus may increasingly shift toward China.
“It cannot and will not be reliant on America. It can’t just be U.S. capabilities,” said Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary. Politico.
Another contentious issue for the upcoming summit involves Ukraine’s role and continued NATO support. While there is pressure to invite President Zelenskyy as a demonstration of solidarity, his attendance remains unconfirmed. The uncertainty reflects deeper questions about the alliance’s long-term commitment to Ukraine amid shifting political landscapes across NATO member states. President Trump’s administration has signaled a more pragmatic approach to the conflict, emphasizing European responsibility for regional security while maintaining America’s position as the alliance’s military backbone—but only if other members substantially increase their contributions.
