Trump Pushes for Higher Defense Spending
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on NATO allies to increase their defense spending to 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). His demand is part of his long-standing criticism that European countries are not contributing enough to their own security. However, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has firmly rejected the idea, calling it unrealistic and unnecessary.
Currently, Germany spends 2.12% of its GDP on defense, just above the NATO minimum requirement of 2%. Trump’s proposed increase would mean a massive jump in military spending, something Berlin says it cannot afford or manage.
Germany Says 5% is Too Much
In an interview with Tagesspiegel, Pistorius explained why Germany will not follow Trump’s demand. If Berlin were to meet the 5% target, defense spending would consume 42% of the federal budget. That would mean €230 billion ($250 billion) annually—almost one out of every two euros the government spends.
“We couldn’t manage or even spend that,” Pistorius said. Instead of focusing on a specific percentage, he emphasized the importance of meeting NATO’s military capability goals and ensuring that funds are used effectively.
NATO’s 2% Target and Germany’s Progress
For years, NATO has urged member nations to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense. Germany only recently met this goal, thanks to a €100 billion ($108 billion) special defense fund created after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
This fund has allowed Germany to upgrade its military and purchase new equipment. However, the special fund will run out by 2027, leaving Germany with a tough decision on how to maintain its current military spending levels.
Trump’s Harsh Stance on NATO
Trump has been critical of NATO allies who spend less on defense than the United States. He argues that the U.S. is protecting Europe without getting enough in return.
During a recent speech, Trump doubled down on his demand for 5%, saying, “We protect them. They don’t protect us.” When asked why the U.S. itself only spends 3.4% of GDP on defense, he dismissed the concern, suggesting that the U.S. should rethink its role in NATO altogether.
His comments have raised concerns among European leaders, who fear that Trump might reduce U.S. support for NATO or even withdraw from the alliance if his demands are not met.
Germany’s Political Crisis and Budget Challenges
Germany’s ability to make long-term defense commitments is currently uncertain due to political instability. The coalition government collapsed in November 2024, triggering snap elections set for February 23, 2025.
Without a functioning government, major financial decisions—including future defense spending plans—are on hold. Even after a new government is formed, leaders will face a difficult choice:
– Increase military spending and risk a budget crisis
– Maintain current levels and face criticism from NATO allies
Uncertain Future for NATO Spending
As tensions grow between Germany and the U.S., other NATO allies are watching closely. Some European nations may choose to increase their military budgets to avoid conflict with Washington, while others might resist, fearing economic strain. The upcoming NATO summit later this year could become a major battleground for this debate. If Trump continues to push his 5% demand, NATO could face one of its biggest internal challenges in decades. Whether Germany and other European countries will find a compromise with the U.S. remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the future of NATO spending will be a key issue in global politics.
What Happens Next?
While Germany has rejected the 5% target, it acknowledges that more investment in defense is needed. Pistorius has hinted that Germany may increase its defense spending beyond 2%, but not to the extreme levels Trump demands.
NATO is expected to make major decisions later this year that will shape defense commitments for the next decade. The question remains: Will Trump push even harder for higher spending? And how will Germany respond? For now, Germany is standing firm, but the debate over NATO spending is far from over.
