Fri Mar 07 08:47:29 UTC 2025: ## Trump Threatens to Abandon NATO Allies Who Don’t Increase Military Spending

**Washington, D.C.** – President Trump escalated his long-standing criticism of NATO allies Thursday, suggesting the United States may not defend members who fail to meet his demands for increased military spending. In a statement to reporters, Trump declared that countries not adequately funding their militaries “do not deserve defense,” adding, “If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them.”

This follows an NBC News report that the President is considering a plan to tailor US military support based on the proportion of GDP each NATO member allocates to defense. The plan reportedly suggests that underspending countries may not receive US defense in the event of an attack – a move that would directly undermine NATO’s core principle of collective defense (Article 5). Trump has previously urged allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, significantly higher than the current NATO target of 2%.

Trump’s comments cast doubt on the US commitment to the alliance, questioning whether allies, including France, would reciprocate US support in times of crisis. He expressed skepticism about whether France or other unnamed countries would defend the US if attacked.

French President Emmanuel Macron responded swiftly, asserting France’s loyalty and steadfastness as a NATO ally, emphasizing the long-standing mutual support between the two nations and demanding reciprocal respect and friendship from the United States. The statement came after an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels focused on strengthening European defense capabilities. Trump’s comments have fueled concerns about the future of the transatlantic alliance and the stability of European security.

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