Thu Apr 03 17:51:09 UTC 2025: ## NATO Allies Face Pressure to Boost Defence Spending Amidst Trump’s Uncertainties

**Brussels, April 4, 2025** – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured nervous NATO allies on Thursday that Washington remains committed to the alliance, but insisted on a significant increase in defence spending. Secretary Rubio’s visit to Brussels comes amidst growing unease over President Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy.

Trump has demanded that NATO more than double its current spending target to 5% of GDP, a figure exceeding current U.S. expenditure. While Rubio affirmed Trump’s support for NATO, he emphasized the need for the alliance to meet its strengthened capabilities. He acknowledged that achieving this would take time, but stressed the necessity of a clear pathway to the 5% target.

This call for increased spending has spurred a wave of announcements from European nations pledging to boost their military budgets. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hailed this as the largest increase in European defence spending since the Cold War’s end, though he stressed that more is needed.

However, Trump’s outreach to Russia regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine has added further complexity. While Trump has threatened sanctions against Russia for stalling peace negotiations, concerns remain about his willingness to stand firm against Moscow, NATO’s primary adversary. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga urged increased pressure on Russia, stressing the ongoing conflict amidst global focus on trade wars.

The looming trade war initiated by Trump’s tariffs on allies, particularly the European Union, further complicates the situation. Several NATO members warned that economic disputes could undermine the alliance’s unity and its ability to strengthen its defences. Norway’s Espen Barth Eide highlighted the importance of economic growth for bolstering defence capabilities, cautioning against protectionism. Despite reassurances from Rutte that there are no immediate plans for a U.S. troop drawdown in Europe, anxieties persist about potential future shifts in U.S. military focus.

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