Trump Weighs Overhaul of NATO Commitments Based on Defense Spending: Report

President Donald Trump is considering a major change in U.S. involvement with NATO, potentially tying military support to member nations' defense spending levels, three current and former senior U.S. officials and one congressional official told NBC News.

Trump has reportedly discussed with aides the possibility of adjusting U.S. engagement to favor allies that allocate a set percentage of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense. Under this approach, the U.S. would reportedly withhold military support from NATO members that fail to meet the threshold, a move that could challenge Article 5, the alliance's fundamental principle that an attack on one is an attack on all.

According to NBC News, the administration is also considering prioritizing military exercises with NATO nations that meet the defense spending target. Officials told the network that Trump's team has already alerted European allies to the possibility of scaling back the U.S. military presence in Europe, with one option concentrating U.S. troops around nations that comply with the spending requirement.

Regarding this report, a National Security Council official told NBC, "President Trump is committed to NATO and Article V."

President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of NATO allies, particularly targeting those not meeting the alliance's defense spending benchmark of 2 percent of their GDP. At a 2024 campaign rally, Trump warned that he would "encourage" Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" in countries he deems "delinquent" in their defense contributions. This rhetoric has raised concerns among NATO members, especially those bordering Russia, about the U.S. commitment to the alliance's collective defense obligations. ​

In response to Trump's statements, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has emphasized the importance of unity within the alliance. He cautioned that any suggestion of allies not defending each other undermines the security of all member nations, including the United States, and increases risks for both American and European forces. ​