Trump urges NATO allies to reach 5% defense spending target at summit in Ankara

President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara on Tuesday for the NATO summit and reiterated his demand that all alliance members raise defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product. The target, first agreed at the 2024 summit in The Hague, replaces an earlier 2% goal and is intended to shift more of the conventional defense burden to European allies and Canada, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said.

Whitaker told reporters that Poland, the Nordic and Baltic states are leading the effort, Germany is expected to meet the 5% mark by 2029, and that "many others are lagging behind" and must act quickly. The United States currently allocates about 3% of its GDP to defense.

The push comes as the Pentagon plans to withdraw roughly 5,000 troops and reduce equipment in Germany, part of a broader U.S. strategy to reduce its European military footprint. A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the shift is meant to allow Europe to address regional threats while the United States focuses on other global priorities.

The summit also touched on the United States' interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous region of NATO member Denmark. A senior official said the administration still views acquisition as a way to meet NATO’s defense needs but is exploring alternative mechanisms with Danish authorities.

Relations with some allies remain strained. President Trump recently criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for insufficient support on Middle-East issues, and the two have exchanged public remarks. Additionally, Trump has warned Spain about its reluctance to meet the 5% commitment.

Other agenda items include the security of the Strait of Hormuz, ongoing tensions with Iran, and a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the summit.