In a significant development for international security, President Donald J. Trump has secured an agreement among NATO members to increase their defense spending. This move is seen as a pivotal shift towards shared responsibility within the alliance.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commented on the outcome of the summit, stating, “Would you ever think that this would be the result of this summit if he would not have been re-elected president? … I think he deserves all the praise.” Finnish President Alexander Stubb echoed these sentiments, saying, “We’re witnessing the birth of a new NATO … This is a big win, I think, for both President Trump and I think it’s also a big win for Europe.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda credited Trump's leadership as essential to achieving this agreement: “Without the support and without the leadership of Donald Trump, it would be impossible.” Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted the historic nature of increasing defense expenditure to five percent, stating strong support from Estonia.
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen supported Trump's stance on European defense spending. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked on the unity among allies in response to current global challenges. Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski acknowledged Trump's previous assertions about NATO commitments.
Media outlets such as CNN and POLITICO.eu described the deal as a diplomatic success for Trump. The Associated Press reported on Trump's quick return to Washington after securing this policy change. The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board declared it a victory in NATO negotiations.
Foreign affairs analyst Jasmine El-Gamal recognized Trump's influence in setting agendas during his presidency. Le Monde highlighted Trump's triumph following NATO's decision on defense spending.
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers praised this development. Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the financial implications for American taxpayers, while Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch called it a tremendous achievement for strengthening NATO's core pillar.
Senators Ted Budd and Bill Cassidy pointed out Europe's increased investment in military capabilities as vital amid rising threats. Senator Chris Coons labeled it a landmark summit with significant progress toward collective security.
Senator John Cornyn expressed astonishment at allies' commitment to military spending increases. Senator Ted Cruz attributed this progress to Trump's leadership, and Senator Steve Daines noted America's strengthened global presence under his administration.
Senator Lindsey Graham congratulated Trump on what he termed a historic achievement at the NATO summit. Other senators like John Kennedy and Dave McCormick highlighted changes in defense spending commitments since 2014 due to Trump's influence.
Several representatives echoed these sentiments, with Rep. Mike Bost describing it as a major victory for American taxpayers and global safety. Rep. Ken Calvert affirmed Rutte's assessment of Trump's impact on strengthening NATO commitments.
The consensus among these political figures underscores broad recognition of President Trump's role in advancing defense cooperation within NATO during his tenure.
