Full Breakdown
Germany Defends NATO Defence Spending as Trump Calls It “Ridiculous”
7/4/2026, 7:28:29 AM
The Dispute Over NATO Spending
In early July 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that NATO defence contributions are “one-sided” and that Germany’s spending is “much lower” than the United States. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz replied on 3 July, saying Germany will double its defence budget within four years and aims to reach the NATO 3.5 % of GDP target by 2029, ahead of the 2035 deadline. The comments precede the Ankara summit on 7-8 July.
Data & Figures
Germany’s defence outlay was 2.4 % of GDP in 2025, above the 2 % floor but below the 3.5 % target. NATO aims for 3.5 % of GDP for core defence and 5 % overall by 2035. NATO lists U.S. 2025 spending at $980 billion; Trump cited $999 billion. Poland’s contribution appeared as $44.3 billion in Trump’s chart.
Official Statements
Merz called the budget increase “the greatest effort we have ever made to strengthen our defence capabilities” and stressed Germany’s duty as the EU’s largest member. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the plan and said U.S. support remains vital for Ukraine’s security.
Criticism & Opposition
Trump’s posts accused the United States of bearing a disproportionate share of NATO costs, calling the financing “ridiculous” and “not reciprocal.” He argued European allies, especially Germany, have not matched U.S. spending and have failed to support recent U.S. actions in Iran, eroding alliance cohesion.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
NATO’s official estimate puts U.S. 2025 spending at $980 billion, while Trump cited $999 billion. Merz’s claim that Germany is “ahead of schedule” conflicts with data showing the country still below the 3.5 % target. Independent verification of Trump’s comparative figures for other allies, such as Poland, is lacking.
What’s Next: Ankara Summit and Baltic Moves
The NATO summit in Ankara on 7-8 July will focus on burden-sharing, the Ukraine war and broader security issues. Delegates will discuss Germany’s accelerated spending path and the alliance’s financial commitments. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda announced a constitutional amendment to lift the ban on nuclear-weapons deployment, a move that could shape NATO’s deterrence posture toward Russia.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the greatest effort we have ever made to strengthen our defence capabilities. In this respect, we have ?no reason to shy away from anyone,” — Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany
- “Ridiculous for the U.S.A. to continue along this one sided path when the relationship is not reciprocal,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States (Truth Social)
- “The United States spends more money on NATO than any other country, by far, to protect them, without getting any benefit from so doing. Others, including Germany, are MUCH LOWER. (2014-2025) Ridiculous!” — Donald Trump (Truth Social)
- “A few days ago, I initiated a constitutional amendment to remove the existing restriction on the possible deployment of nuclear weapons in Lithuania,” — Gitanas Nauseda, President of Lithuania
