Trump's pick for NATO Ambassador Reiterates the Need for Members Increasing Their Defence Budgets to 5% of GDP
London, 4 March 2025
The pick for NATO ambassador appointed by US President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that NATO member nations must raise their defence budgets to 5% of GDP.
"Nations that refuse to pay their fair share will no longer receive subsidies from the United States. During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Matthew Whitaker stated, "If confirmed, I will strive to advance a policy of peace through strength by ensuring that all NATO members meet a minimum defence spending level of 5%, thereby ensuring NATO is the most successful military alliance in history."
He stated that this is not merely an American "mandate," but rather a "necessity for the survival" of the alliance, citing threats from North Korea, Iran, China, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
"The threats are real, and they won't wait for half-measures or bureaucratic arguments. Therefore, without exception or justification, our NATO members must first pledge to allocate at least 5% of their GDP to defence," Whitaker stated.
A strong NATO, according to the nominee, can remain a "bedrock" of peace and prosperity, and its "vitality rests on every ally doing their fair share by growing our economies and investing in our common defence."
"Our goal is to vanquish those who would harm us, not only to deter them. That entails bolstering our military prowess and making sure NATO continues to be the leading force for regional stability," he continued.
If approved, Whitaker promised to "work tirelessly to uphold our nation's role as the beacon of freedom and liberty, strengthen the alliance, and ensure the security of the American people." (Research and edit by The Decision Maker - International Relations editors)
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