Trump Questions U.S. NATO Defense Pact, Emphasizes Spending/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ On his way to the NATO summit in The Hague, President Trump said the U.S. response to Article 5 “depends on your definition,” sowing uncertainty among European allies. He praised increased defense spending—claiming credit for pushing members toward a 5% GDP target. His conditional stance revived old fears about America’s dedication to the alliance.
Trump Says NATO Defense Depends on Definition of Article 5: Quick Looks
- Trump refuses to guarantee NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense on Air Force One, saying it “depends on your definition”
- He emphasizes friendship with NATO and commitment to “saving lives” and “life and safety,” avoiding a clear pledge
- Trump claims credit for getting allies to commit to 5% GDP on defense, quoting a supportive Rutte text
- Europeans remain uneasy—Sen. Jeanne Shaheen warns this ambiguity benefits rivals like China
- Article 5 debate is reviving concerns that Trump could back away if members don’t spend enough
- NATO plans a slimmer agenda focusing on defense budgets amid broader tensions over Middle East and Ukraine
Trump Questions U.S. NATO Defense Pact, Emphasizes Spending
Deep Look
Washington → The Hague — June 24, 2025
As President Trump traveled to the NATO summit, his comments about the alliance’s mutual defense obligation sparked headline-making uncertainty. Asked whether the U.S. would uphold Article 5—NATO’s commitment that an attack on one member is an attack on all—Trump replied: “Depends on your definition.”
A Conditional Commitment
Trump dodged giving a clear “yes” or “no” on Article 5, instead promising vague commitments: “saving lives” and “life and safety.” He promised more clarity would come later, but notably refused to elaborate mid-flight.
This comes amidst a backdrop of volatile world affairs—from Trump’s strikes on Iranian facilities and his ceasefire announcement with Israel, to ongoing NATO debates over Ukraine and military spending.
Europe on Edge
Trump’s refusal to unequivocally affirm Article 5 has revived old concerns in Europe. Analysts warn such ambiguity undermines NATO’s credibility and risks emboldening China, Russia, and others. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen declared that questioning the clause strengthens adversaries like Xi Jinping
Yet some NATO capitals are also adapting. While wary of rocky politics, leaders are quietly embracing Trump’s defense-spending pressure—viewing it as a long-overdue overhaul.
Spending Surge
Trump’s biggest win may be on defense budgets. His push for members to reach 5% of GDP in defense spending has been warmly received. He shared a text from NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte praising the move as something “no American president in decades could get done,” calling it a “win.”
NATO now plans a stripped-down summit schedule focused on budgets, geared to placate Trump while resisting upheaval on sensitive issues like Ukraine.
Legacy of Doubt
Trump’s hesitation channels concerns from his 2016 campaign, when he suggested he might not protect NATO members who didn’t “pay their fair share,” even floating support for Russian aggression toward low spenders
In 2024, he amplified that stance, recounting a promise to “encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want” to certain NATO nations that don’t meet the spending mark.
Europe now finds itself in a double bind: needing to ramp up defense ducks to satisfy Trump, while also guarding against the possibility that the U.S. might step back if standards aren’t rigidly met.
What’s at Stake
- Alliance cohesion: Partners worry that a U.S. retreat from Article 5 could weaken institutional unity.
- European autonomy: Some nations, like Germany and France, are accelerating defense plans—not just to meet spending targets but to hedge against diminished U.S. commitment .
- Ukraine sidelined: With the agenda trimmed, Ukraine may lose traction as NATO’s crisis on the summit stage .
Summit Preview
Trump will attend brief sessions at The Hague’s World Forum and stay at Huis Ten Bosch palace. He’s expected to meet Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander and possibly Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy. However, the showstopper remains his definition of Article 5—and whether quiet reassurances follow the headlines.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.