NATO Secretary-General Praises Trump, Highlights Increase in Defense Spending

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte congratulated Donald Trump today on his election as President of the United States. Rutte addressed a frequently raised concern by Trump regarding the increasing military spending among alliance members.

In a statement made on a social media platform, Rutte expressed his eagerness to work with Trump, saying, "I just congratulated Donald Trump on being elected President of the United States. His leadership will again be crucial to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to promote peace through strength via NATO."

Trump's previous criticisms of NATO had focused on the argument that European countries were not contributing enough to defense spending. He had consistently stated that in the event of a Russian attack, the U.S. would come to the defense of NATO members that had only increased their military expenditures.

Addressing these concerns, Rutte noted, "Two-thirds of allies are now spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense, and defense spending and production is on the rise across the Alliance." This statement serves as a response to the pressure for higher defense contributions among member countries.

During his recent meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on November 5, 2024, Rutte highlighted the value of the alliance, stating, "The U.S. has 31 friends through NATO." He also referenced various challenges facing NATO, pointing out the "increasing alignment of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran."

Rutte concluded his remarks by emphasizing the significance of NATO's role in ensuring global security: "Working together through NATO helps deter aggression, protects our shared security, and supports our economies." This statement reflects the ongoing commitment of the alliance to collective defense and economic stability in the face of global challenges.