In a recent New Hampshire rally, former President Donald Trump asserted that NATO countries increased their defense spending by “billions and billions” after he hinted at withholding protection for Europe in case of an attack. Trump criticized European nations for relying heavily on U.S. support for their defense needs. This comes after a previous report revealed Trump’s 2020 conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where he allegedly stated that the U.S. would not come to Europe’s defense if attacked. NATO members had committed in 2014 to spend 2 percent of their Gross National Product (GNP) on defense by 2024, but only a fraction are projected to meet this goal. President Joe Biden’s campaign criticized Trump’s stance, emphasizing the importance of alliances. French European Commissioner Thierry Breton, recalling the von der Leyen meeting, deemed Trump’s threat a “big wake-up call,” highlighting the need for increased self-reliance within NATO.
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