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NATO Secretary General Credits Trump’s Pressure
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has praised President Donald Trump for pushing European nations to significantly increase defense spending. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Rutte said Europe would not have acted without sustained pressure from Trump.
Rutte acknowledged the remarks may be unpopular but insisted they reflect reality. He said Trump forced European governments to accept responsibility for their own security.
Defense Spending Reaches NATO Targets
Rutte pointed out that NATO members agreed in 2014 to spend at least 2 percent of GDP on defense. Many countries failed to meet the target for years.
According to Rutte, that changed under Trump’s leadership. He said nearly all NATO members now meet the benchmark, with some agreeing to raise defense and security spending to 5 percent of GDP.
He described the shift as a turning point for Europe and Canada in the post-Cold War era.
U.S. Commitment to Europe Remains Strong
Rutte rejected claims that the United States has abandoned Europe. He said more than 80,000 U.S. troops remain stationed across the continent, including in Germany and Poland.
He added that while Washington is increasing its focus on Asia, it is reasonable to expect Europe to contribute more to its own defense.
Rutte stressed that the U.S. nuclear umbrella remains NATO’s strongest security guarantee.
Greenland Should Not Distract From Ukraine
Addressing Trump’s controversial statements about Greenland, Rutte said the issue should not divert attention from the war in Ukraine.
He warned that excessive focus on Greenland risks weakening support for Ukraine’s defense, which he called vital to both European and American security.
Rutte said Ukraine must remain NATO’s top priority.
Mixed Reactions Across Europe
While Rutte continues to praise Trump, other European leaders have voiced concern about Trump’s Greenland ambitions. Denmark’s prime minister has warned that any U.S. takeover of Greenland could threaten NATO’s future.
Trump later ruled out using military force to acquire the territory but continued to argue that Greenland is strategically important to U.S. security.
Context and Attribution
Information in this article is based on remarks made at the World Economic Forum in Davos and reporting by Fox News and international news agencies.
