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WASHINGTON (CHATNEWSTV) — President Donald Trump has reiterated his stance that the United States may withdraw from NATO if other member nations fail to increase their financial contributions to the alliance.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with NBC, Trump stressed that the U.S. would remain committed to NATO only if its allies fulfill their defense spending obligations. “If they pay their bills, we’ll stay,” Trump said.
Pressed on whether he would follow through with leaving the alliance if other nations fail to meet their commitments, Trump responded unequivocally, “Yes.”
NATO members are expected to allocate 2 percent of their GDP to defense spending. However, many countries fall short of that target. According to Trump, the imbalance is unacceptable, with the United States shouldering approximately 70 percent of NATO’s total budget.
“It’s not fair to the American taxpayers. They’re footing the bill while other nations don’t meet their commitments,” Trump said, emphasizing that U.S. resources could be better utilized elsewhere.
Trump’s criticism of NATO allies over defense spending has been a hallmark of his foreign policy approach, both during his first term and now. He has long argued that wealthier European nations benefit from U.S. military protection without paying their fair share.
While some NATO members have increased their defense budgets in recent years, others continue to fall short, a point Trump highlighted as a persistent frustration.
Trump’s comments underscore ongoing tensions within the alliance, raising questions about its future stability. Analysts warn that a U.S. withdrawal could significantly weaken NATO’s collective defense strategy, particularly amid rising security threats from Russia and other adversaries.
As the debate over burden-sharing continues, Trump’s ultimatum may pressure member states to reassess their commitments, or risk reshaping the global security landscape.
