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President Donald Trump is scheduled to take the main stage on the second day of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands.
The President will meet with NATO Executive Director Mark Latte and other world leaders before holding the press conference.
Trump also said he would “probably” greet Ukrainian President Vownaian, Voldimir Zelenky.
In a text message shared by Trump, Latte congratulated him on “making big payments to Europe” through his new 5% defence spending target.
Trump heads to the NATO summit to agree that Europe will be wary of his defensive spending demands
Trump sets off for the NATO summit, with world leaders reaching an agreement to increase defensive spending to 5% of GDP. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
“Congratulations. I’m grateful for your decisive action against Iran. It was truly extraordinary and no one else had the courage,” Latte wrote as Trump flew towards the summit. “It makes us all safer.”
Israel and Iran took part in a US-brokered ceasefire on Tuesday.
“We’ve had another great success in The Hague tonight,” Latte adds, referring to the new NATO member contract that will increase NATO members to 5% of GDP.
The NATO allies first agreed to spend 2% of their GDP on defense in 2006. Now, after Trump repeatedly called on Europe to “draw that weight,” the alliance has approved a more ambitious 5% target, with the exception of Spain.
The new numbers will be categorized as 3.5% in core defense spending and 1.5% in related infrastructure, including cyber warfare and intelligence. The NATO ambassador agreed to Sunday’s compromise text.
What to expect at the upcoming NATO summit: Trump, spending, Ukraine, Iran
NATO Executive Director Mark Latte congratulated Trump on the Iranian ceasefire and persuaded Europe to increase defensive spending (Nicolas Tukatt/Reuters)
For most allies, targets mark a big leap. Poland currently leads all member states, with 4.1% of GDP heading towards defense. The US is 3.4%.
Trump said he doesn’t think the US needs to reach the full 5% threshold.
“The US has already spent almost 3.5% on core defense, and there’s no doubt that they’re approaching spending 1.5% on defense-related items,” Rutte said. “Countryes like Estonia and Poland are very close. For many others, it’s still a long way to go, but it’s really important to do this.”
Trump also said he would “probably” greet Ukrainian President Vownaian, Voldimir Zelenky. (Christian Hartman/Reuters)
He also called on the defense industry to strengthen production “on both sides of the Atlantic.”
“Russia should be able to overtake us and drive us out, with an economy 25 times more than NATO’s economy,” Latte said Tuesday. He urged Europe: “Make your defenses so strong, no one dares to attack you.”
Despite progress, Trump has raised new doubts about whether the United States will comply with the NATO cornerstone mutual defense clause (Article 5).
“It depends on your definition,” Trump said when asked if he would respect his commitment. “There are many definitions in Article 5. Do you know that? But I am committed to being their friend. I am friends with many of those leaders and I am committed to helping them.”
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Still, NATO’s U.S. ambassador Matthew Whitaker reassured his allies and told reporters that “the United States is not going anywhere.”
Latte reflected that message, telling her partner to “stop worrying so much” and focus on strengthening her defense.
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