Trump Claims NATO Victory as Allies Pledge Increased Military Investment

NATO concluded its two-day summit in The Hague on June 25, 2025, with allied leaders reaching an agreement on a new defense investment benchmark of 5% of GDP and reiterating their steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion.

The summit declaration, adopted on June 24 by Heads of State and Government, introduced the Hague Defence Investment Plan, which calls for 3.5% of GDP to be allocated toward core military needs, along with an additional 1.5% for defense-related infrastructure and industry. This represents a notable rise from the earlier 2% guideline established in 2006.

In 2025, all NATO members are anticipated to meet or surpass the 2% target, marking a significant shift from 2014, when merely three nations achieved that benchmark.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted the alliance’s revitalized emphasis: “Together, Allies have established the groundwork for a stronger, fairer, more lethal NATO.” He observed that the investment would assist in deterring threats that include terrorism, cyberattacks, and direct aggression from Russia.

The declaration reaffirmed NATO’s collective defense principle under Article 5, which had encountered skepticism during Donald Trump’s presidency. At the summit, Trump—who is once more pursuing the presidency—embraced the new spending plan, stating, “I left there feeling that these people truly love their countries.” It is not a scam.

In a popular social media post, Trump conveyed a message from Rutte commending his impact on NATO’s financial obligations. Rutte affirmed the transmission of the message, asserting his support for its content.

After some initial reluctance, Trump expressed that he departed the summit with a strong belief that NATO’s leaders are genuinely committed to safeguarding their countries and the alliance as a whole.

The upcoming NATO summit is set to take place in Türkiye in 2026.