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By Jon Jackson
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What's New
President-elect Donald Trump's foreign policy team told European officials that he will insist NATO allies increase defense spending to 5 percent of their economic output, according to a Friday report from the Financial Times.
The talks between Trump's top foreign policy aides and senior European officials reportedly took place this month, the Financial Times said, citing undisclosed sources who were said to be familiar with the talks.
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The paper also reported that three other unnamed people familiar with discussions with western officials said Trump reportedly plans to continue providing Ukraine with military aid.
Why It Matters
NATO's current target for members' defense spending is 2 percent of their country's GDP. Trump has repeatedly called on the alliance to increase this amount.
During his first administration, Trump said in 2018 that the defense spending goal for NATO should be doubled to 4 percent. While on the campaign trail in the lead-up to the 2024 election, he also accused NATO of relying too much on U.S. contributions.
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Trump Hints at Possible NATO Exit
He returned to the theme earlier this month during an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, when he suggested the U.S. could look at leaving NATO if members don't increase their defense spending.
During his campaign, Trump also spoke of withdrawing aid to Ukraine while pushing for immediate peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war.
What To Know
The reported discussions between the president-elect's foreign policy team and European officials comes as he looks to shape his policies regarding Europe as well as policies on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Only 23 of NATO's 32 members reach the current defense spending target of 2 percent.
The Financial Times further wrote that while Trump is expected to demand NATO increase the target to 5 percent, one its sources said they understood he would settle for 3.5 percent.
What People Are Saying
Last month, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in comments made at the European Political Community summit in Budapest that Trump was right to pressure the alliance to increase spending.
Rutte said at the summit: "He is right about this.You will not get there with the 2 percent."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said to reporters on Thursday after speaking with Trump by phone during a summit with EU leaders: Trump was "quite confident that the U.S. and Europe will continue their support to Ukraine."
What Happens Next
Talk of NATO increasing its defense spending target will likely continue in the coming weeks.
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