U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges NATO allies to boost defense spending during Portugal visit

During a news conference in Lisbon, U.S. Rubio linked the need for increased spending to the risk of Russian sabotage campaigns against NATO states.

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NATO’s guideline asks members to spend at least 2 % of gross domestic product on defense; Portugal currently allocates just over that level and says it plans to rise to roughly 3 % through dual-use investments. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that allies reach 5 % of GDP, a figure Rubio cited as the administration’s benchmark. Portugal’s strategic contribution includes the Lajes Field air base in the Azores, which the United States uses for refueling and staging flights—a capability Spain’s government has denied.

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Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel described the bilateral ties as “fundamental” and highlighted the country’s willingness to support U.S. operations. The U.S. Air Force continues to operate from Lajes under a long-standing agreement.

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A small left-wing party, Left Bloc, lodged a formal complaint challenging the legality of the Lajes Field arrangement. Portugal’s attorney-general’s office announced it is reviewing the matter, indicating domestic political resistance to the expanded U.S. military presence.

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• “People sometimes view this call to invest more in defense as a hostile thing,” — State Marco Rubio

Associated Press

• “Every country is of a different size and proportion. Some countries can contribute more than others, but every country in NATO needs to be as strong as they can possibly be,” — State Marco Rubio

Associated Press

• “Portugal is a great ally, very cooperative ally of the United States and a country with which we already have a solid and growing relationship. And we visit these countries in order to reinforce those ties,” — State Marco Rubio

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