In a pivotal shift for international security dynamics, President Donald J. Trump has orchestrated a significant triumph for the United States and its NATO allies by negotiating a landmark agreement that substantially escalates defense expenditures within the NATO alliance. This development heralds a new chapter of collective responsibility and resilience in the face of global challenges.
The deal has garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte remarked, “Would you have imagined that this summit could yield such results had he not been re-elected? I believe he deserves all the accolades.”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed, “We are witnessing the dawn of a new NATO… This is a considerable victory for both President Trump and Europe.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda stated, “The support and leadership of Donald Trump made this possible.”
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal declared, “This historic moment means we will increase defense spending to five percent. Estonia fully supports this move.”
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen added, “He is absolutely right in asserting that Europe must enhance its defense expenditures.”
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted, “Allies appear united. It’s clear that everyone must contribute more to defense, especially in these turbulent times.”
Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski emphasized, “We must acknowledge the truth: President Trump was correct during his first term in noting that allies were not meeting previous commitments.”
CNN’s Joseph Ataman and Clare Sebastian labeled it “a diplomatic masterstroke.”
POLITICO.eu referred to it as “a significant win for Trump.”
Associated Press reported, “Within less than 24 hours in the Netherlands, Trump returned to Washington with a significant policy shift he has advocated since 2017: a notable increase in defense contributions from NATO members.”
The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board proclaimed, “Trump Wins the Battle of NATO.”
Foreign affairs analyst Jasmine El-Gamal said, “Trump will undoubtedly highlight this as an achievement, and he would be justified… His influence was evident in shaping both the tone and agenda.”
Le Monde covered, “Trump emerged triumphant after NATO leaders reached an agreement on increasing defense spending.”
A bipartisan consensus among lawmakers also celebrated this development:
Speaker Mike Johnson enthusiastically stated, “NATO nations are boosting defense funding from under 2% to 5%! No more free rides for the rest of the world. No longer will American taxpayers be the personal piggy banks for others. This is the Trump effect.”
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch asserted, “@NATO’s pledge to raise defense spending to 5% is an outstanding achievement. Thanks to @realDonaldTrump, @SecGenNATO, and our allies for making this happen. New defense investments and industrial collaboration will reinforce NATO’s core principles. Now we must continue to advance as a united front and work towards realizing this commitment.”
Sen. Ted Budd remarked, “Thanks to @POTUS, our NATO Allies have consented to an annual defense spending increase of 5% of GDP — finally achieving a long-sought goal. It’s about time Europe contributes appropriately to our mutual defense. Enhanced military capabilities will bolster deterrence amid escalating threats.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy stated, “A fortified alliance leads to a more secure world. President Trump has successfully urged our NATO allies to raise their defense investment from 2% to 5% of GDP. When America is strong, the world is more secure.”
Sen. Chris Coons commented, “This will be remembered as a historic summit. The commitment to allocate 5% is a significant stride towards our shared security.”
Sen. John Cornyn described, “Astounding news from the NATO summit: Allies have pledged to dedicate 5% of their economies to military expenditure, up from the current 2% baseline.”
Sen. Ted Cruz emphasized, “NATO’s commitment to enhance its investments would not have materialized without President Trump’s leadership. Strong American leadership has returned.”
Sen. Steve Daines noted, “A robust President and a powerful America once again make a difference on the global stage: Nearly every NATO nation is vowing to increase defense funding to 5% of their GDP. The world is safer today because of @POTUS.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham congratulated President Trump, stating, “Kudos to President Trump and his team for a highly successful NATO summit. Almost all NATO nations pledging to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP is historic and transformative, fortifying the alliance and enhancing American safety. Thank you to our NATO allies and well done, @POTUS.”
Sen. John Kennedy quipped, “President Trump has roused our NATO allies from their complacency — they’re finally taking their defense commitments seriously.”
Sen. Dave McCormick reflected, “Back in 2014, only three NATO member countries met the 2% GDP defense spending guideline. Thanks to @POTUS’s leadership, that number has now surged to 23. The declaration to elevate spending to 5% by 2035 will ensure the future requirements of the transatlantic alliance are met, with allies paying their fair share.”
Sen. Rick Scott chimed in, “It’s fantastic to see @POTUS’ leadership and success recognized by @SecGenNATO! Thanks to President Trump, peace through strength is BACK, and our NATO allies are contributing their fair share to global safety.”
Sen. Dan Sullivan stated, “I have long maintained that our NATO allies must carry their fair share of the burden, and I’m grateful President Trump is finally compelling them to step up.”
Sen. Thom Tillis expressed, “This is excellent news. For NATO to thrive, it’s vital that our allies and partners contribute their fair share. Another victory secured under @POTUS Trump!”
Sen. Todd Young remarked, “NATO is crucial for our global security and stability, but the U.S. can’t bear the majority of the load given the threats we face. Today, our allies committed to contributing more to our collective defense. Thank you, @POTUS, for leading the way.”
Rep. Mike Bost asserted, “President Trump has made it clear that all freedom-loving nations must share the responsibility of defending our values in a perilous world. For too long, the United States has shouldered an unfair financial burden at NATO while allies neglected their commitments. That changed yesterday. Thanks to President Trump’s bold leadership, NATO countries have almost universally committed to increasing their defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. This is a major victory for American taxpayers and a safer world.”
Rep. Ken Calvert echoed, “NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is spot on. President Trump’s leadership has fortified NATO, compelling our European allies to expand their commitments and enhance the security of our crucial alliance.”
Rep. Eli Crane succinctly stated, “The free ride is over.”
Rep. Neal Dunn noted, “@NATO countries are agreeing to up their defense spending from 2% of GDP to 5%. This marks the most decisive commitment from our allies in over a decade. With this action, the Alliance will be stronger than ever!”
Rep. Pat Fallon contended, “A more robust NATO will help prevent future conflicts before they arise.”
Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez summed up, “After four years of the Biden-Harris administration’s shortcomings, the United States is once again respected on the global stage. Thank you, @POTUS.”
Rep. Mark Green concluded, “The agreement by nearly all NATO allies to elevate defense spending to 5% is a significant victory for President Trump. This shift in burden-sharing ensures that the United States and our allies are better equipped to deter aggression from China, Russia, and Iran.”
Rep. Lance Gooden cheered, “✅ NATO members commit to raising defense spending to 5% of GDP ✅ Ceasefire between Iran and Israel… The adults are back in charge and the world RESPECTS President @realDonaldTrump!”
Rep. Brett Guthrie added, “A huge win for peace through strength on the world stage at the NATO Summit. The commitment to 5% defense spending by almost all member nations is precisely what is required to counter our adversaries. Thank you @POTUS for leading the charge!”
Rep. Wesley Hunt commented, “A tremendous victory for the United States follows the NATO meeting. Other countries will now contribute 5% towards NATO! The United States will no longer bear the security burden for the entire world. President Trump is putting America FIRST!”
Rep. Jim Jordan remarked, “Thank goodness we had President Trump at the NATO Summit instead of President Biden. America is back and stronger on the world stage!”
Rep. Frank Lucas stated, “At today’s NATO summit, @POTUS showcased America’s renewed and rightful status as the dominant global superpower. He brought peace to a conflict-laden region, provided crucial support to our allies in Israel, and instilled concern among our adversaries. I appreciate President Trump’s continued legacy of peacebuilding and for reinforcing that peace through strength remains essential to American foreign policy.”
Rep. Michael McCaul concluded, “For too long, the U.S. has borne the financial and military burden for NATO. That is set to change, thanks to today’s remarkable commitment from NATO nations to increase spending to 5%. Bravo, President Trump!”
Rep. Mike Turner praised, “I applaud President Trump’s strong leadership in convincing our European and Canadian partners of their shared responsibilities for peace and security, not just in rhetoric but in actual investments in collective defense.”
Rep. Tony Wied remarked, “It’s long overdue for our NATO allies to contribute their fair share. President Trump is ensuring that Americans no longer have to foot the bill for other nations’ defense. America First.”
