President Trump is stepping off Air Force One today in The Hague to deliver a message that Americans have long waited to hear loud and clear: the days of Europe freeloading off our military strength are finally over. As NATO leaders gather, Trump arrives not merely as a participant, but as a bold negotiator who has already secured historic commitments for our nation and our troops.
For decades, American taxpayers have been footing the bill, subsidizing Europe’s security while our allies enjoyed lavish welfare states and massive infrastructure spending. The United States has consistently paid far more than its fair share, shouldering the burden of NATO’s defense while our partners skated by with token contributions. No longer. Thanks to President Trump’s America First determination, NATO members have finally agreed—reluctantly, perhaps, but unmistakably—to stop taking advantage of American generosity.
In preliminary talks ahead of today’s summit, NATO nations have committed to raising their defense spending to an unprecedented 5% of their GDP—more than double the previous 2% target that many struggled to meet. This isn’t just a symbolic victory; it’s a tangible shift toward fairness and accountability. With this new agreement, 3.5% will go directly to crucial military capabilities, from air defense systems to troop recruitment, while an additional 1.5% will fund essential infrastructure improvements like roads and bridges that support military logistics. This practical approach ensures that NATO is not only well-funded but also strategically prepared for future threats.
Yet, not everyone is on board. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stubbornly refuses to join the rest of his European counterparts, claiming that increased defense spending would strain Spain’s bloated welfare state. Currently, Spain contributes a paltry 1.28% of its GDP to defense—the lowest among NATO nations. Sánchez’s refusal highlights precisely the kind of freeloading mentality that President Trump has called out repeatedly, and rightly so. “We fully respect the legitimate desire of other countries to increase their defence investment,” Sánchez said defiantly, “but we are not going to do it.” It’s clear that Sánchez’s priorities lie with maintaining socialist-style handouts rather than ensuring the security and stability of the NATO alliance.
Despite Spain’s obstinacy, the momentum is with President Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed as much in a private message to the President, enthusiastically stating, “You are flying into another big success in The Hague this evening. It was not easy, but we’ve got them all signed onto 5 percent!” Rutte’s praise was clear and unequivocal: “You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done. Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win.” When even NATO’s leader recognizes Trump’s accomplishment, it becomes impossible to deny the magnitude of this victory.
President Trump has wisely emphasized that the United States itself may not need to reach the 5% threshold. After all, America is geographically distant from many of the threats NATO faces and does not require the same level of wartime infrastructure investment. This pragmatic realism is precisely why Trump’s America First agenda resonates so deeply with the American people—he is advocating for fairness, not reckless spending.
Beyond defense budgets, Trump is also expected to discuss critical geopolitical matters, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the recent Trump-brokered Israel-Iran ceasefire. NATO Secretary General Rutte has already publicly supported recent U.S. military actions against Iran, affirming that the U.S. strikes were lawful and necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. Such unwavering support underscores the renewed respect America commands on the global stage under Trump’s leadership.
As President Trump engages with world leaders, including a probable meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his focus remains unwaveringly on American interests and security. This NATO summit represents another chapter in Trump’s relentless pursuit of fairness, responsibility, and strategic strength. The message to our allies is clear: America will gladly partner with you, but the era of freeloading at our expense is unequivocally finished.