Trump to Demand NATO Allies Spend 5% of GDP on Defense, May Settle for 3.5%, Will Continue Ukraine Aid

Dec 20, 2024, 05:21 PM

Donald Trump's team has informed European officials that the incoming US president will demand NATO member states increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, according to the Financial Times. Trump's team indicated he may settle for a 3.5% target. The US currently spends 3.5% on defense, while Poland is close to the proposed target, spending 4.7%. At present, only 23 of NATO's 32 members meet the existing 2% target. Despite advocating for an immediate end to the conflict and opposing Ukraine's NATO membership, Trump plans to continue supplying military aid to Ukraine after his inauguration.