Trump will demand NATO allies increase defence spending to 5% of GDP – Financial Times

US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly plans to demand NATO allies to raise their defence spending to 5% of their GDP.

Source: Financial Times, as cited by European Pravda

Details: Two informed sources informed FT that Trump intends to push for a defence spending target of 5% of GDP among NATO members, more than doubling the current benchmark of 2%.

Currently, 23 of the alliance's 32 members meet the 2% GDP target. Even leading defence spenders like Poland allocate less than 5% to defence.

One source suggests Trump might initially advocate for a minimum threshold of 3.5% of GDP and plans to tie increased defence spending to more favourable trade terms with the US.

"It’s clear that we are talking about 3 per cent or more for [Nato’s June summit in] The Hague summit," commented another European official aware of the US president-elect’s proposals.

Background: 

• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently stated that allies should consider defence spending above 2% of GDP, regardless of "the Trump factor", citing future security challenges that demand higher investment.
• US President-elect Trump has reiterated his long-standing threat to withdraw the US from NATO if allies fail to contribute sufficient defence funding.

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