Caroline Leavitt. Photo: Profimedia
US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to NATO, but stressed that allies must “pay their fair share” of the defence budget. This was stated by White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt during her first briefing on Tuesday (28 January).
“President Trump has called on NATO Allies to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP. As long as the Alliance meets its financial obligations, its commitment will remain strong,” Leavitt said.
She stressed that during Trump’s first term, “there was no better ally for Europe than him” and that his “peace through strength” strategy had made the world safer.
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Trump’s demand for higher defence spending was fair, and that member states should invest more in their security.
