NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, praising his administration’s commitment to increased defense spending. The meeting comes ahead of the upcoming Hague Summit, where European leaders are also pledging higher defense budgets.
Rutte noted that under Trump’s leadership, the US has raised its defense spending by $700 billion since 2016, but believes more can be done. In contrast, European countries are now committing to a package of $800 billion in defense spending, with Germany potentially adding up to half a trillion dollars.
The NATO chief also emphasized the need for increased defense production, citing the US’s strong defense industry as an advantage. However, he argued that Europe must do more to keep pace with other nations, such as Russia and China.
Rutte praised Trump for his efforts in brokering dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, which has helped to reduce violence in the region. He expressed hope that their collaboration would lead to a successful Hague Summit, where NATO aims to reinvigorate its alliance under Trump’s leadership.
Source: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_233821.htm