Trump Calls U.S. Support for NATO 'Ridiculous' as Leaders Prepare to Meet in Ankara

Overview

• President Donald Trump used Truth Social to say it is “ridiculous” that the United States keeps its current unilateral level of support for NATO and posted a graphic that shows the U.S. listed at $999 billion without citing any source.
• The spending image gives no attribution or time frame, leaving its figures unverified and prompting questions about the basis for the president's public critique.
• Several European governments have limited use of bases by U.S. forces in response to the war with Iran, creating operational friction that Trump has repeatedly cited to press allies to do more for their own defense.
• NATO leaders already agreed under U.S. pressure to target higher defense spending, including a goal to reach 5% of GDP by 2035, and the July 7–8 summit in Ankara is now the immediate forum to try to mend relations and set concrete steps.
• Domestic politics constrain large policy shifts because polling reported in coverage shows most Americans oppose leaving NATO, and European leaders such as Germany's Friedrich Merz are defending their recent increases in defense budgets.