At the World Economic Forum, US President Donald Trump stresses the need for equitable defense contributions, highlighting the US’s disproportionate spending on NATO and the Ukraine war.
Davos [Switzerland], January 24: US President Donald Trump has called on NATO member nations to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, arguing that the United States has shouldered an unequal share of the burden, particularly in funding related to the Ukraine war.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump highlighted the financial disparity, stating that the US has spent $200 billion more than NATO on the Ukraine conflict.
“As we restore common sense in America, we’re moving quickly to bring back strength, peace, and stability abroad. I’m also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, which is what it should have been years ago,” Trump said.
The US President criticized NATO members for failing to meet the previous 2% GDP target until he intervened during his earlier term.
“It was only at 2 percent, and most nations didn’t pay until I came along. I insisted they pay, and they did, because the United States was really paying the difference, and it was unfair to us,” he added.
Calls for Equal Contributions
Trump reiterated his stance, emphasizing the need for NATO nations to shoulder a fair share of defense responsibilities.
“We are in the Ukraine war with $200 billion more than NATO. It’s ridiculous because it affects them a lot more. We have an ocean in between. They’ve got to equalize,” Trump asserted.
Broader International Issues Addressed
During his address, Trump also touched on other pressing global matters:
- He urged Saudi Arabia and OPEC countries to lower oil prices, citing economic stability.
- He reaffirmed the US’s commitment to ceasefire negotiations in West Asia, claiming significant progress under his administration.
- He discussed efforts to curb illegal immigration, highlighting troop deployments along the US southern border.
On West Asia, Trump reflected on his administration’s early diplomatic efforts:
“Before even taking office, my team negotiated the ceasefire agreement in the Middle East, which wouldn’t have happened without us. Earlier this week, the hostages began to return to their families, and it’s a beautiful sight.”
Davos Summit Focus
The World Economic Forum, held from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland, serves as a key platform for world leaders and policymakers to deliberate on global challenges, economic shifts, and sustainability goals.
President Trump’s speech emphasized a shift in both domestic and international policies, showcasing the immediate actions taken under his second term to re-establish American strength and global influence.