**US President Trump Casts Doubt on NATO’s Defense Commitment**
On March 6, US President Donald Trump said that the US will not defend its NATO partners if they do not meet defense spending targets. He made this statement in the Oval Office to reporters.
Trump has long demanded that NATO allies increase their military spending. He previously called for the alliance to raise its benchmark from 2% to 5% of GDP. Currently, 24 out of 32 NATO members meet the 2% target. Some countries, like Poland and Estonia, have already exceeded this level.
However, some nations, including Italy, Canada, and Spain, still fall short of the 2% target. Trump’s statement suggests that these countries will not receive US protection if they do not meet their financial obligations.
This is not the first time Trump has questioned NATO’s commitment to defense spending. Last year, he said that Russia could “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO countries failing to meet defense criteria. This statement was seen as undermining NATO’s collective-defense principle.
Trump’s comments come amid increased scrutiny of his foreign policy. He has echoed Kremlin narratives and engaged in direct negotiations with Moscow while sidelining Kyiv. He has also accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of prolonging the war and refused to offer security guarantees to Ukraine, saying that Europe should take responsibility for Kyiv’s security.
**What Does This Mean?**
Trump’s statement suggests that the US will prioritize defense spending over collective defense. This could have significant implications for NATO allies who do not meet their financial obligations. It also raises questions about Trump’s commitment to NATO’s core principles and values.
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