Nato commits to higher spending sought by Trump and mutual defence

Nato leaders agree to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP, aiming to deter Russia and satisfy Trump’s demands

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as he arrives for a NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Piroschka Van De Wouw, Pool Photo via AP)

Nato leaders on Wednesday backed the big increase in defence spending that US president Donald Trump had demanded, and restated their commitment to defend each other from attack.

While Trump got what he wanted at the brief summit, tailor-made for him, his Nato allies will be relieved that he committed to the fundamental principle of collective defence after less clear-cut language on Tuesday.