Plenty on the Left accuse Trump of ruining our reputation abroad. Nothing could be further from the truth.
And now Trump scored a major victory on the world stage that solidifies his legacy forever.
Trump’s Leadership Strengthens NATO’s Resolve
President Donald Trump’s steadfast pressure on NATO allies has yielded a historic commitment to more than double their defense-spending target to 5% of GDP by 2035, a move that bolsters the alliance’s deterrence against threats like Russia’s aggression.
At the recent NATO Summit, Trump’s affirmation of U.S. commitment to Article 5—the mutual-defense clause—reassured allies, with the president declaring, “I stand with it, that’s why I’m here. If I didn’t stand with it, I wouldn’t be here.”
His leadership, praised as high praise from a president who called NATO “not a rip-off,” has galvanized European nations to take their security seriously, ensuring a stronger, more unified alliance.
Trump’s approach, blending relentless advocacy with a clear-eyed focus on U.S. interests, has shifted NATO’s trajectory.
His insistence that allies meet their obligations—coupled with the stark reality of Russia’s war in Ukraine and recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—has driven 23 of 32 NATO members to meet the prior 2% GDP spending target by 2024, up from just six in 2021.
Trump’s vision of “peace through strength” has made it clear that America’s support hinges on shared responsibility, a message that resonates as NATO faces a volatile global landscape.
A New Era of European Commitment
The new 5% spending target, with 1.5% allocated for defense-related infrastructure, reflects Trump’s influence in pushing allies to prioritize their own defense.
Countries like Poland (4.7% this year) and Estonia (5.4% by 2029) are leading the charge, while Germany, once a laggard, is ramping up to 3.5% by decade’s end under Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Merz’s pledge to make the Bundeswehr “the strongest conventional army in Europe” aligns with Trump’s call for a robust NATO, not as a favor to the U.S., but to counter Russia’s threat to the Euro-Atlantic region.
“NATO’s European members really love their countries . . . and we’re here to help them,” Trump said, framing the alliance as a partnership of mutual strength.
While Spain’s partial opt-out raises concerns, Trump’s pressure has undeniably transformed NATO’s mindset. His tactics, though occasionally blunt, have forced allies to confront the reality that U.S. support cannot be taken for granted.
This shift strengthens deterrence, ensuring Vladimir Putin understands the high cost of aggression against even the smallest NATO member, such as a Baltic state. Trump’s recent actions, including decisive strikes on Iran, further underscore U.S. resolve, enhancing NATO’s credibility.
Trump’s Legacy: A Safer, Stronger NATO
Trump’s achievement in pushing NATO to accept greater responsibility is unmatched in recent decades, with the Kremlin’s actions amplifying his case.
“A strong NATO is in the interests of the U.S. as well as of Europe,” especially as America faces challenges in the Pacific, noted German Chancellor Merz, echoing Trump’s strategic vision.
The summit’s outcomes, while not directly aiding Ukraine, bolster Kyiv indirectly by reinforcing NATO’s collective strength.
Trump’s ability to secure commitments without undermining Article 5’s reliability showcases his diplomatic skill, ensuring Putin sees no opportunity to “divide and conquer.”
As Europe works to meet these pledges, Trump’s administration must maintain pressure to prevent backsliding, as seen with Spain, while preserving the perception of U.S. reliability critical to deterrence.
