In a recent interview on 'The Brian Kilmeade Show,' NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed the significant increase in GDP defense spending by NATO nations in 2024. Stoltenberg highlighted that 23 out of the 32 allies have now met their 2% commitments, attributing this achievement to a message consistently emphasized by consecutive U.S. administrations, including former President Trump.

Both Trump and President Biden have hailed the number of NATO nations meeting their defense spending commitments as accomplishments of their respective presidencies. Trump, in particular, has been vocal about his role in pushing NATO allies to fulfill their financial obligations, resulting in nine nations meeting their commitments in 2020, compared to just five in 2016 when he took office. However, this number decreased to six in 2021.

This year saw a significant jump in NATO defense expenditure, with a record-breaking 23 out of the 32 nations meeting their spending agreements. Supporters of Trump argue that the war in Ukraine, rather than the Biden administration, served as the primary driving force behind this surge in European defense spending.

While Canada, a nation long scrutinized for failing to meet its defense spending commitment, announced its intention to fulfill the 2% pledge by 2032, it remains uncertain if all alliance members are truly satisfied with this promise. Smaller NATO nations such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which share a border with Russia, not only meet their agreements but also exceed the 2% limit.

However, concerns have been raised by several international officials that the 2% spending commitments, established nearly two decades ago, may no longer adequately reflect the realistic needs of the alliance in the face of growing threats posed by authoritarian regimes such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis emphasized the importance of making defense spending correspond to the actual threat faced by the alliance. Finnish President Alexander Stubb credited Trump for his push for meeting the 2% limit, noting the substantial increase in the number of allies reaching this level.

The United Kingdom's Defense Secretary John Healey, newly appointed after a Labour Party landslide election, expressed the new administration's commitment to increasing NATO spending commitments. Healey emphasized the need for NATO nations to go beyond the 2% mark given the rising global threats and instability.

During the NATO summit, President Biden highlighted his efforts to strengthen the alliance, such as adding Finland and Sweden to its ranks. Biden dismissed Trump's foreign policy approach, referring to him as having an affinity for authoritarian leaders. He also claimed to have received encouragement from European allies urging him to win the upcoming U.S. presidential race.

Stoltenberg, when asked about sentiment towards the U.S. presidency among NATO nations, stated that NATO's success as an alliance stems from its ability to remain apolitical, avoiding involvement in domestic politics.

As the contentious U.S. presidential campaign unfolds, both Trump and Biden have sought to claim credit for the increasing number of NATO nations meeting their defense spending commitments. However, concerns persist among some officials about the adequacy of these commitments in addressing the evolving threats faced by the alliance.

The NATO summit has undoubtedly highlighted the complex nexus between global security concerns and domestic political agendas, reminding the world that the alliance stands at an inflection point where the choices made now will shape the future of Ukraine, Europe, and NATO itself.