NATO Summit: Trump Gets His Way and Turns a New Page in Western Policy

Last Friday marked the conclusion of the NATO leaders’ summit—a gathering widely seen as a turning point for the West. It signaled the start of a new era in which Europe is expected to take greater responsibility for its own defense, while the United States shifts its strategic focus toward the Pacific and China.

Photo: NATO state leaders at the summit in The Hague

Last Friday, the NATO leaders’ summit concluded. This historically important summit marks the beginning of a new era in Western politics: Europe must start taking responsibility for its own security, while the United States turns its attention to the Pacific and China.

“It’s been a long journey, but worth it. As you’ve probably noticed, remarkable achievements were made. It was a very productive NATO summit,” said U.S. President Donald Trump.

This recap by Trump of what took place at the Hague summit came on the heels of his brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran in their twelve-day conflict—and after he bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. While some view the Israel–Iran war as a defeat for Tel Aviv and Washington, the NATO summit was undoubtedly a success for the world’s leading superpower.

Trump showcased his victory to supporters by sharing a message he’d received via Truth Social from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte:

“Mr. President, dear Donald, congratulations and thank you for your decisive action in Iran, which was truly extraordinary and something no one else dared do. It makes us all safer. Tonight in The Hague, you're heading toward another great success. It wasn't easy, but everyone will sign up for five percent. Donald, you have taken us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe and the world. You will achieve something no U.S. president has for decades. Europe will pay a BIG price, as it should — and that will be your victory. Safe travels, and see you at His Majesty’s dinner! — Mark Rutte.”

Trump used this message to underscore three points for his base: Iran was bombed in “a world‑class move,” European defense contributions will rise, and he’s achieved what no other president has.

Defense Comes at a Cost

The summit was a major win in NATO terms. For decades, European allies resisted reaching the 2% GDP defense spending target they committed to. Washington called it unfair, warning that U.S. resources aren’t infinite. This resistance backfired when Europe remained mostly passive amid Russian aggression in Ukraine. Some countries couldn’t materially assist Kyiv because their military stockpiles were empty. Following U.S. pressure and the war in the East, defense spending jumped: what was once 2% is now heading toward 5%.

This shift began with Trump’s first term and gained steam under President Biden. Eastern European countries—Poland, Romania, the Baltics, and Scandinavian nations—as well as Germany, began rapidly increasing armaments. In a second Trump term, this policy could reach its apex.

By last week’s agreement—or as Croatian President Zoran Milanović put it, “They didn’t even vote on anything. The shortest proposals have been adopted. One page referencing defense spending in a very vague and undefined way”—member states agreed that by 2035 they’ll dedicate at least 5% of GDP to defense: 3.5% to basic military buildup and 1.5% to crisis-ready infrastructure.

For Washington, this is the long-sought result: Europe pays and takes responsibility. European resistance led Trump to threaten withdrawal of U.S. defense guarantees in case of Russian aggression. In the end, Trump’s threats and Biden’s diplomacy worked: Europeans now commit to fulfilling their NATO obligations.

Spain resisted strongly, saying it couldn’t afford the increase. Public sentiment wouldn’t support spending on a Russia many saw as distant. Madrid didn’t veto the decision but stated it won’t follow the plan.

Trump responded sharply, claiming he will force Spain to pay doubly and labeling them “notorious.” Earlier, he mentioned Spain joining BRICS in a White House press briefing, signaling his dismissive attitude toward European partners, whom he seems to expect to “toe the line.” Some Balkan states outside NATO are already seen as spheres where Brussels, not Washington, calls the shots. Rutte later assured that, while the summit statement didn’t mention the Western Balkans, NATO remains committed and has forces in the region.

Trump confirmed that the U.S. will still defend NATO allies if attacked, giving Europe and Canada time to fulfill their pledges. Rutte also assured Ukraine that support continues and NATO accession remains open.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov downplayed the summit’s impact, stating the 5% goal wouldn’t significantly affect Russia’s security. Moscow views NATO as a threat only while fighting in Ukraine, interpreting this summit as yet another yielding to U.S. demands and using Ukraine as a shield.

Economy, Military, and the Pivot to China

With all members spending 5%, around $1 trillion will be added annually—“a huge win for Europe and Western civilization,” Trump said. Rutte praised it as “laying the foundations for a stronger, fairer, and more lethal NATO.” This implies many jobs in defense industries, stockpiles of weaponry, and allied provisions of arms to states seeking to counter Moscow.

President Milanović raised economic concerns: small states cannot afford expensive weaponry. He cautioned, “If I spend five percent on GDP but can’t buy real capabilities, due to price surges, then we’re not doing a good job.” He asked, “If India lost one or two Rafales costing over €200 million each, what sense does that make?” He warned against being “held hostage by private contractors,” which leads to “debt slavery.”

Smaller states must adapt and improvise—since the bulk of weapons will be produced by larger NATO members. Croatia and others will have to find ways to manage.

For the U.S., it’s clear: American arms and tools will flood allied markets, defense contractors gain lucrative deals, smaller allies depend more on the U.S., and military production rivalry with Russia will intensify under the public belief it's necessary.

With this summit, Trump took another step toward a U.S. pivot to the Pacific: by shifting Euro-defense obligations onto Europe, America frees resources to focus on China. A heavily armed NATO deters Russia from attacking allies, while Trump (or his successors) can concentrate on Asia. The next phase might involve a kind of “Asia NATO.” With today’s agreement, the U.S. position is stronger than a week ago—provided allies follow through on their Hague commitments.

The article was previously published nap.ba.

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