Europe Increases Defense Spending as U.S. Reviews NATO Support

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that it is ridiculous for the United States to maintain its current level of support for NATO when the relationship is not reciprocal. He described the alliance as a one-sided path and posted a chart showing the U.S. spent $999 billion on defense compared with Poland's $44.3 billion.

NATO's 2025 estimate for U.S. defense spending is $980 billion. Trump stated the United States spends more money on NATO than any other country by far to protect allies without getting any benefit. He added that European allies were not there for the U.S.

During the Iran war. Several NATO allies refused to allow the U.S. access to joint military bases for offensive operations against Iran. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the refusal shameless and said it put America's sons and daughters at risk.

Washington informed NATO allies a month ago that it would begin reducing the military assets it dedicates to NATO. U.S. officials described the prior NATO Force Model as having an unhealthy co-dependence on U.S.

Forces. A NATO defense-spending review that could last up to six months will examine America's force posture and basing in Europe and will include consultations with Congress. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the review is designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading and taking primary responsibility for the defense of Europe.

NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe spokesperson Martin O'Donnell stated that in a matter of weeks European allies have largely filled the gaps left by U.S. forces. Where gaps remain the alliance is looking at alternate capabilities with matching effect.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the White House last week and presented charts showing increases in allied defense spending since 2017. A NATO summit is scheduled for next week in Ankara, Turkey.