Canadian Prime Minister Defends NATO Spending Amid US Criticism

He responded to questions about alliance spending raised by the US President.

Canada achieved the 2% benchmark in 2025, according to NATO's 2014-2025 defense expenditure report. 5% through 2024. This marked the first time Canada met the target since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The US President criticized some NATO allies for insufficient support during the Iran conflict. He posted on Truth Social that the alliance provided weak assistance when needed and might not in the future. The criticism included threats to penalize certain members, such as those avoiding conflict.

" — Canadian Prime Minister (Fox News) NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that the world is safer under the US President's leadership. Rutte credited the President with encouraging allies to meet the 2% benchmark. Several nations have increased their defense contributions as a result.

NATO Spending Comparisons Over the past decade, US defense spending has averaged about 3.

3%. The US GDP exceeds that of all other NATO members in dollar terms. Canada, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Hungary have averaged lower spending levels.

6% of GDP, based on the report's figures. These variations highlight differences in alliance burden-sharing.

This statement came amid discussions on international security. NATO's focus on meeting spending targets continues as global tensions persist. Rutte addressed a prior comment interpreted as referring to the US President in familial terms.

He clarified that a Dutch-to-English translation led to the misunderstanding during a meeting in The Hague last June. Rutte described the President as a strong disciplinarian figure in that context.