President Donald Trump is considering a significant shift in U.S. participation in NATO, potentially tying American military support to how much alliance members contribute to their own defense, according to multiple U.S. officials.
Under the proposed policy change, the U.S. may not automatically defend a NATO ally under attack if that country fails to meet a specified defense spending threshold. Such a move would challenge the alliance’s core principle—Article 5—which states that an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all. Trump has long criticized NATO nations for not spending enough on their militaries and has suggested they should increase their defense budgets far beyond the current 2% GDP target.
Additionally, Trump is reportedly considering limiting U.S. military exercises to NATO countries that meet the spending requirement. His administration has already signaled that it may shift American troop deployments in Europe to prioritize countries that contribute more to their own defense.
While the National Security Council reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to NATO and Article 5 in a statement, concerns remain among U.S. lawmakers and European allies. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, reassured lawmakers of America’s continued commitment to the alliance. However, Coons also warned that Trump’s past statements and actions indicate a willingness to challenge long-standing U.S. foreign policy positions.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has also made it clear that the United States would be under no obligation to defend NATO “peacekeeping troops” in Ukraine should they come under fire by a foreign enemy.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz made very clear yesterday that if EU or NATO allies put peacekeeping forces inside Ukraine, and their forces are attacked, Article 5 will not apply. pic.twitter.com/9lmI2wBBJj
— TransOdius (@TransOdius) March 6, 2025
Trump has frequently expressed frustration over NATO’s financial structure, calling it unfair to the U.S. and pushing for an increase in member contributions. Most recently, he suggested that NATO allies should spend 5% of their GDP on defense, though even the U.S. does not currently meet that threshold.
The potential shift in U.S. NATO engagement comes as Trump urges European allies to play a greater role in supporting Ukraine against Russia. While NATO allies have stepped up aid, Trump has pushed for them to take on even more responsibility in securing long-term stability in the region.
Trump previously threatened to withdraw the U.S. from NATO during his first term and has questioned the necessity of Article 5, which has only been invoked once—in response to the 9/11 attacks. While Ukraine has sought NATO membership, the Trump administration has made clear that accession would not be part of any negotiated peace deal.
As speculation grows over Trump’s NATO policy, European leaders and U.S. lawmakers remain watchful for any official announcements that could redefine America’s role in the transatlantic alliance.
State AG Urges Trump DOJ To Investigate Who Was Actually Running The Country Under Biden
