During a session at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his approval of NATO allies’ decision to elevate defense and security spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035. This commitment marks a considerable increase from the previous 2% benchmark, highlighting a significant shift in the alliance’s financial strategy.
The agreement, formalized at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, outlines that member nations will allocate at least 3.5% of their GDP to core defense needs while dedicating an additional 1.5% to defense-related investments and security priorities. This move aims to bolster NATO’s military capabilities, defense production, and collective security as part of its broader strategic efforts.
In his address, Trump also urged an end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the substantial human toll it continues to exact. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to pursuing diplomatic solutions to resolve the situation.
NATO has reported that European allies and Canada are actively increasing their defense budgets as part of their commitment to the 5% goal. According to the alliance, these countries have collectively boosted their core defense expenditures by nearly 20% in real terms in 2025 compared to the previous year, underscoring their dedication to the new spending targets.
The 5% GDP spending target is set to be fully realized by 2035, reflecting NATO’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its military readiness and strengthening its defensive posture amid evolving global security challenges.