**Trump’s Ambiguous Stance on NATO’s Core Defense Pledge Raises Concerns Ahead of Summit**
As President Donald Trump arrived in The Hague for a pivotal summit, he refused to give a clear commitment to NATO’s Article 5, the alliance’s collective defense clause. This has raised fresh concerns about his stance on one of NATO’s core principles.
When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One if he would uphold the mutual defense obligation, Trump replied that it “depends on your definition of Article 5.” He also added that there are “numerous definitions” of the clause and emphasized his commitment to being friends with many of the leaders involved. This response has sparked worries about his willingness to honor NATO’s security framework.
**A Core Principle Under Scrutiny**
Article 5 is central to NATO’s security framework, and Trump’s previous statements have already expressed skepticism about honoring it. He has often criticized member states for not contributing enough to shared defense efforts. Trump’s latest comments only add to the uncertainty surrounding his commitment to NATO’s core principles.
**NATO Faces Its Most Significant Threat in Decades**
The summit comes at a time when NATO faces what its leadership describes as its most significant threat in decades. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Russia remains the primary danger to the alliance, citing its growing alignment with China, North Korea, Iran, and Belarus.
**A Historic Defense Investment Plan**
At the summit, NATO leaders plan to adopt a “historic” defense investment plan, including a new 5% of GDP benchmark for defense spending and stronger backing for Ukraine. This move aims to strengthen the alliance’s collective defense and make it more lethal.
**Meeting with Zelensky on the Agenda**
While at the summit, Trump is set to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid concerns over the U.S. role in peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. The details of their meeting are still being finalized, but it’s expected to take place in the early afternoon.
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