Trump will force NATO members to hike military spending by 50% – Telegraph — RT World News
The former US president repeatedly criticized several member states for not paying enough in light of threats from Russia and China
Donald Trump is eyeing plans to push NATO members to increase defense spending from 2% to 3% of GDP if he is re-elected in November, The Telegraph reported on Friday, citing sources close to the former US president.
Trump had reportedly been considering a raise for some time, but was more convinced by Polish President Andrzej Duda's arguments, a source close to the former president told the media. The two met for talks in New York last month.
Duda has repeatedly called for increased defense spending across the alliance, arguing that 3% is needed to defend against terrorism. 'Increasing threats' Including from Russia.
Trump is “It improves about 3%, especially after talking to Duda.” And that “Does not include funds allocated to Ukraine” The anonymous source said.
Trump's meeting with Duda reportedly played a role in convincing him to lift his opposition to the long-awaited aid package that included $60 billion for Kiev.
In February, Trump came under fire from the White House and senior Western officials after suggesting that he would not defend NATO members who failed to spend enough on defense, but would even encourage Russia to attack them. In March, US intelligence agencies warned that America was facing danger “Fragile world order” Amid Russian and Chinese threats.
The 32 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have agreed to a target of spending at least 2% of GDP on defence. NATO estimates last year showed only 11 countries spending that amount, including the largest contributor, the United States, as well as the United Kingdom, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Greece, Hungary, Finland, Latvia, Slovakia and Denmark.
Belgium and Spain spent 1.2%, while Luxembourg, which has the smallest defense budget compared to GDP, spent only 1%. Only Poland, the United States and Greece spent more than 3%.
Timo Pesonen, the EU's top defense official, said on Tuesday “While NATO allies increase their budget to at least 1% of GDP.” Some member states “Talk about 3% already.” His statements came days after those of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg “We must go further” From 2%.
The Telegraph quoted a source close to Trump as saying that he also has a detailed plan on how to end the war peacefully which will not be announced before the election.
The Republican presidential candidate said earlier that he would be able to negotiate peace because he knows the leaders of the two countries, but he did not go into details. “There is a plan, but he won't discuss it with the news networks because then they lose all influence.” The source said.
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