Trump’s Influence Cited as Catalyst for Increased European Defense Spending
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European nations, including economic powerhouses like Spain, Italy, and France, likely would not have committed to allocating 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) to defense without the renewed pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a leading European political figure.
“No way, without Donald Trump this would never have happened. They’re all on 2 percent now,” the source stated. “I’m absolutely convinced without Donald Trump you would not have taken those decisions and they are crucial, particularly for the European and the Canadian side of NATO to really grow up in the post-Cold War world.”
The shift in European defense policy comes as the continent grapples with the ongoing war in Ukraine and anxieties about the future of U.S. commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 served as a stark wake-up call, prompting a reassessment of security priorities across Europe.
A Changing Security Landscape
The potential for a reduced U.S. military presence in Europe, coupled with a perceived shift in American strategic focus towards Asia, has further fueled the drive for increased European defense capabilities. Currently, the U.S. maintains a significant military footprint on the continent, with over 80,000 soldiers stationed in countries like Poland and Germany.
“The Americans still have over 80,000 soldiers in Europe… including in Poland and Germany and so they are still heavily invested in European defense,” the source explained. “And yes, they have to pivot more towards Asia. So it is only logical for them to expect us, Europe, to step up over time.” The source emphasized that the U.S. nuclear umbrella remains a vital guarantee of European security.
Netherlands’ Role and Past Criticism
The comments come from a former head of state who led the Netherlands for 14 years, from 2010 to 2024. The Netherlands, under this leader’s tenure, faced criticism for underspending on defense. This highlights a broader trend of European nations historically falling short of NATO’s recommended defense spending targets.
New Spending Targets and Trump’s Influence
In a significant development last summer, NATO allies agreed to a new defense spending target of 5% of GDP by 2035. This ambitious goal was initially proposed by Trump, who has repeatedly questioned the commitment of European allies and even hinted at potentially withdrawing the U.S. from the military alliance. His persistent concerns about burden-sharing appear to have ultimately spurred action.
The increased commitment to defense spending reflects a growing recognition among European leaders that they must take greater responsibility for their own security, particularly in a world where the reliability of U.S. support is no longer a given. This represents a fundamental shift in the transatlantic security relationship and a crucial step towards a more self-reliant Europe.
