The Telegraph: US warns NATO allies of consequences for low defense spending

The Donald Trump administration has warned NATO allies of consequences if they fail to meet the commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

This is reported by The Telegraph.

The White House criticized alliance members for insufficient pace in increasing their military budgets. Among the countries drawing the American administration’s displeasure is the United Kingdom, which currently intends to raise its defense spending only to 2.7% of GDP. According to the outlet, this could spark a conflict between the US and the UK at the NATO summit, which begins on July 7 in Ankara.

According to The Telegraph, Trump plans to reward or punish countries depending on their military allocations. High spending will give allies priority in purchasing American weapons and provide more personal meetings with the US president.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has launched a review of the size and combat readiness of US forces in Europe. This, according to the outlet, could lead to the withdrawal of American troops from countries that ignore the targets. The White House believes that rejecting the 5% benchmark will make Europe and Canada “less capable” in the long term.

US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said on the eve of the summit that “some allies are doing more than others.” He named Poland, the Scandinavian countries, and the Baltic states as leaders.

“President Trump expects all allies to step up immediately” and reach the goal of increasing spending to 5% of GDP “as soon as possible,” Whitaker said.