NATO's Defense Dilemma: Rising Costs, Reluctant Nations

U.S. President Donald Trump expects Washington's NATO allies to spend more on bombs and bullets. Trump's proposal for members to devote 5 percent of GDP to defense was widely rejected, but the demand for bigger budgets is real and is not expected to go away. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said spending might need to rise to as much as 3.

7 percent of GDP. Only Poland is above that right now. The current target for defense spending is 2 percent of GDP, which most members met or exceeded in 2024.A new target for spending is likely to be agreed…