Trump claims victory on NATO defense spending in freewheeling news conference


President Trump told NATO leaders in person and on Twitter at a Wednesday-Thursday summit in Brussels that he wants them to raise their national defense spending to 2 percent of GDP more quickly than the 2024 deadline agreed to in 2014, and maybe raise it to 4 percent, prompting an emergency session of NATO leaders Thursday morning. Trump also threatened to break with NATO and have America go it alone if other members don't raise defense spending quickly enough, NATO officials and diplomats tell Politico. "NATO officials said Trump was furious over media coverage suggesting that the first day of the summit had proceeded calmly, and that he had demanded to hold a press conference immediately after the morning meeting."
In that news conference, Trump called the NATO summit a success, insisted "the United States was not being treated fairly, but now we are," and said “I believe in NATO." When asked, Trump said he thinks he "probably can" pull the U.S. out of NATO without the explicit approval of Congress, "but that's not necessary" now that other countries have made "a real commitment" to raise defense spending to 2 percent of GDP in a "relatively short period of years."
Trump painted the commitment to increase defense spending as a personal victory, though French President Emmanuel Macron said the "very detailed" final communiqué "confirms the goal of 2 percent by 2024. That's all." Trump also said fellow NATO leaders had thanked him for making them agree to spend more on defense and for meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, promoted the quality of U.S. defense contractors and his golf resort in Scotland, and touted his Electoral College victory. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom Trump had reportedly singled out by first name in a breach of protocol, called the summit "intense."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Will divisions over trans issue derail Keir Starmer's government?
Today's Big Question Rebellion is brewing following the Supreme Court's ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equality law
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
Why UK scientists are trying to dim the Sun
In The Spotlight The UK has funded controversial geoengineering techniques that could prove helpful in slowing climate change
By Abby Wilson
-
Gandhi charges: Narendra Modi's 'vendetta' against India's opposition
The Explainer Another episode threatens to spark uproar in the Indian PM's long-running battle against the country's first family
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs say
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign port
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US