On Wednesday, NATO leaders are anticipated to officially endorse a new defense spending target of 5 percent of gross domestic product, a significant rise from the current benchmark of 2 percent—an increase that President Trump has been advocating for over several months.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has publicly maintained that this new goal is not crafted specifically for the U.S. president’s benefit. However, a private message from Trump himself has surfaced, revealing that the summit’s arrangements appear largely aimed at delivering a victory for him and preventing his departure from the alliance.
“Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe, and the world. You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done,” Rutte allegedly wrote in a message shared by Trump on Truth Social. “Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win.”
In addition, the NATO chief recognized Trump’s “decisive action in Iran.”
While on Air Force One, Trump addressed ongoing missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, revealing that he had recently spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also indicated that he continues to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with the Russian leader.