US President Donald Trump posted a long message saying that NATO became stronger only because of the pressure he put on allied governments. He argued that before his term, many NATO members were not meeting their financial commitments and the United States was covering too much of the cost.
According to Trump, he convinced NATO partners to increase spending to what he described as “5% of GDP,” saying they began paying immediately once he demanded it. He said many leaders doubted it was possible, but he claims he succeeded because they were “his friends.”
Trump Says His Actions Prevented Russian Control of Ukraine
Trump also claimed that without his involvement, Russia would have taken full control of Ukraine. He suggested that his foreign policy decisions helped avoid a wider war and, in his words, “saved millions of lives.”
He further stated that Russia and China do not fear NATO unless the United States leads strongly. Trump said he believes NATO may not stand fully behind America if the US ever needed support, but he insisted the US would still support NATO.
Claims About Ending Wars and Military Rebuilding
In the post, Trump repeated several points he has made before:
- He said he ended eight wars during his term.
- He claimed he rebuilt the United States military.
- He criticized Norway, a NATO member, for not supporting him for the Nobel Peace Prize (which he referred to as the “Noble Peace Prize”).
- He said China and Russia fear the United States because of his leadership.
Trump concluded by saying the United States remains the only country that Russia and China “fear and respect.” He also repeated his campaign slogan, saying he rebuilt America and would continue doing so.
Background: NATO Spending Debate
NATO countries had previously agreed to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense. While some nations were below that target for years.
Trump often argued that the United States was paying more than its fair share and pushed allies to accelerate their contributions. His approach remains debated among diplomats and military analysts.
Why Trump’s Statement Matters
Trump’s comments come at a time when NATO continues to face questions about security in Europe, the war in Ukraine, and how much each member should contribute. His claims are likely to influence both US politics and ongoing conversations inside NATO.
Supporters say his pressure led to stronger defense commitments. Critics argue that some of his statements exaggerate NATO figures and risk undermining unity inside the alliance.
What Happens Next
NATO leaders continue to stress that the alliance relies on cooperation and shared responsibility. Discussions around funding levels, Ukraine support, and US leadership are expected to remain central topics throughout 2026.
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