Brief
Rubio says NATO spending push is not hostile, urges stronger defence
Rubio defended US pressure on NATO members to meet a 5% defence‑spending target, saying it strengthens the alliance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Portugal that Washington’s appeal for NATO members to increase defence spending is "not a hostile thing" but a necessary step to keep the alliance strong. He linked the request to the 2024 NATO pledge for members to reach 5% of GDP by 2035, a goal first set after former President Donald Trump claimed the United States was subsidising European security.
Rubio said every NATO country must be "as strong as they can possibly be" and that stronger members make the alliance a more effective deterrent against Russia and China. He noted that some nations, such as Germany, have already stepped up, while others are "dragging" but face domestic pressure.
The remarks came as U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth criticised NATO allies for "free‑riding" and ordered a review of American forces in Europe. In the same context, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly delaying a key funding announcement needed to meet the NATO spending target.
Rubby also referenced ancient Greek values and the "America First" agenda, arguing that NATO’s defensive purpose has served the West for decades and must be reinforced to confront current threats.
Key facts
- Rubio said the NATO spending push is not hostile but aimed at strengthening deterrence. (standard.co.uk)
- NATO members pledged in 2024 to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. (standard.co.uk)
- U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth accused some allies of free‑riding and ordered a review of U.S. forces in Europe. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “US calls for allies to hike defence spending ‘not a hostile thing’, says Rubio”
