Germany has voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to elevate the defense spending target for NATO member countries to 5% of their respective gross domestic products, according to statements made by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday.
In response to inquiries regarding NATO chief Mark Rutte’s preliminary recommendation suggesting that member states increase their defense expenditures to 3.5% of GDP while also allocating an additional 1.5% for broader security matters, Wadephul affirmed that this recommendation had been discussed and coordinated—possibly with U.S. officials—and that it would be a topic of discussion at the ongoing NATO foreign ministers meeting.
“However, one must focus on the outcome. And the outcome is indeed the 5% that President Trump calls for, which he believes is necessary, and we support him in this regard,” Wadephul stated from the meeting in Turkey, as translated by Finance Newso.
Trump has consistently urged NATO allies to increase their defense spending, with some countries struggling to meet the existing 2% benchmark.
Additionally, Wadephul engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Thursday session. He later shared on social media platform X that their exchange was a “great start, especially at a time when foreign affairs are critical.”
This developing story is being updated.
