Germany’s Merz defends NATO spending after Trump calls it ‘ridiculous’
Summary
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended Germany’s NATO defence spending after President Donald Trump criticized it as too low and unfair. Merz said Germany plans to double its defence budget in four years and meet NATO’s spending goals ahead of schedule.Key Facts
- President Donald Trump called NATO members’ defence spending "ridiculous" and "one-sided" in recent social media posts.
- Trump said Germany’s defence spending is much lower than that of the US and other NATO allies, especially between 2014 and 2025.
- Chancellor Merz stated Germany will double its defence budget within four years to strengthen its military.
- Germany aims to reach NATO’s defence spending target of 3.5% of GDP by 2029, earlier than the 2035 deadline.
- NATO leaders agreed to increase defence spending goals from 2% to 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
- Relations between the US and Europe have been tense during President Trump’s terms, with disagreements over military actions and alliances.
- Trump criticized European allies for not joining the US-led war effort against Iran.
- Trump announced a plan to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany amid tensions.
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