Trump Seeks 5% NATO Defense Spending Target, May Settle for 3.5%; Will Continue Ukraine Aid

Dec 20, 2024, 05:48 PM

President-elect Donald Trump intends to demand that NATO member states increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, but may settle for 3.5%, according to reports citing discussions with European officials. Currently, only 23 of the alliance's 32 members meet the existing 2% spending target. Despite his previous stance on Ukraine, Trump's team has communicated that the new administration plans to continue providing military aid to Ukraine. Trump believes that Ukraine should not be granted NATO membership and seeks an immediate end to the conflict.