Trump wants NATO to spend more on defense. Here’s who is actually paying.

Politico ^ | 06/22/2025 | Paul McLeary, Chris Lunday and Esther Webber

[MinorityRepublican]

NATO members are rushing to show President Donald Trump they’re shoveling money into defense — some with a dose of creative math — as Russia’s battle with Ukraine grinds on and war threatens to consume the Middle East.

The group’s summit this week in The Hague, which Trump plans to attend, will attempt to set a deadline for members to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense. Trump has complained about European defense budgets since his first term, claiming the U.S. gets ripped off by countries that rely on Washington for a security blanket.

The way allies approach this at the summit is critical. Leaders will need to walk a tightrope between staying on the president’s good side — and continuing to benefit from America’s role in NATO — and declaring more independence from Washington.

As Trump increases pressure, members are touting new investments and shuffling around money — from a “defense-adjacent” Sicilian bridge to a stopgap German fund.

A POLITICO analysis reveals telling gaps between the big spenders in Eastern Europe and those further afield from Russia, who are still creeping toward a decade-old target. The 32 member states break down into three groups: the winners, the risers and the laggards. Most countries occupy a crowded middle ground, not quite racing toward the new 5 percent goal, but making solid progress in exceeding the current 2 percent mark.

“Most of NATO recognizes that it has to be better,” said a U.S. Defense Department official, who like others, was granted anonymity to discuss internal conversations. “We’re looking at these meetings as a very public chance, with the president watching, for them to step up.”

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TOPICS: Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: budget; nato

[Oil Object Insp]

It’s time for them to pay up..... current and their rears.....

USA needs to quit carrying the bill....

perhaps Russia should join.... Putin would spend the ante of 5%

[Kudsman]

Just for discussion please. Why can't the Euros keep their article 5 if they like it? If the United States were not a member, but chose instead to create a separate, Sovereign treaty with NATO. On American terms.

There could be an annual review of expenses Europe and CANADA soak us for the priviledge of protecting them.

Surely our 17th amendment perverted Federal Senators are so much smarter now than the clowns that originally entangled us. I give you exhibit A, Chuck Schumer. Lol

[Kudsman]

I would rather have Israel if we are picking teams. If we remain. Watch that article 5 get broke, quick.

Unfortunately I don't think Israel is dumb enough to even get involved in such lunacy.

[tumblindice]

Two Minute Euro Hate

Euroweenie, def.
Urban dictionary
European, or American who wishes he/she were European, with an ultra-liberal view of the world, who believes that the United States should roll over like a bunch of pussies and become testicle-less Socialist wimps like they are. John Kerry is a Euroweenie.

[redfreedom]

Canada is among the laggards, which ticks me off. They enjoy paying little to NATO while at the same time relying on big brother to the south to protect their sorry asses. Arrogant worthless POS’s sucking on the socialist tit while thumbing their noses at us.

[SENTINEL]

Trump should deduct the substantial US base lease fees from host countries until they pay a full 5%.

Both parts of Nato countries are unworthy of our protection...the part who's ass we kicked, and the part who's ass we saved. Twice

[ETCM]

Now let’s work on the Pacific nations. The Pacific is our priority theater, and the basis of much more of our spending. We have about 4 times as many forces deployed to the Pacific as Europe, and Asian defense spending is dismal. Japan is under 2% of GDP, Taiwan barely 2%, Australia 2%, South Korea just 2.7%. Every country in the Pacific theater is 2% or under, save for ROK and Singapore.

[mass55th]

Bunch of Euro-weenie leeches.