Donald Trump is considering whether to push Nato members to increase defence spending to three per cent of GDP if he wins a second term in the White House, a report has revealed.
The 45th President thinks member states should be asked to contribute more to the alliance’s collective defence amid fears about Russia and China.
Trump, 77, also believes accounting rules should discount spending on military assistance for Ukraine.
Such a situation would push several countries below the current target of two per cent of GDP.
Trump to push Nato defence spending target to 3 per cent amid Russia and China threat
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Trump insiders claim the 45th President is hoping to lobby the bloc and was further convinced after meeting Polish President Andrzej Duda last month.
The source told The Telegraph: “His thinking is evolving towards three per cent, especially after speaking to Duda – and that’s not including money for Ukraine.”
Duda reportedly convinced Trump to drop his opposition to a $60billion aid package for Kyiv as Vladimir Putin continues to wage war against the ex-Soviet state.
The situation appears to show Trump altering his position on Nato as the 45th President used to threaten to withdraw from the alliance.
Nato
PAPoland, the United States and Greece all contribute more than three per cent of GDP in defence spending.
Estonia and Lithuania pay more than the 2.5 per cent target established by the UK.
Finland, Latvia, the UK, Hungary, Slovakia and Denmark all contribute more than the current two per cent target.
However, France, Norway, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Canada and Spain cough up less than Nato’s target.
Donald Trump said that some NATO countries were not contributing enough to defence GettyTimo Pesonen, a senior EU defence official, said a three per cent target was already under discussion among some member states behind closed doors.
“When the Nato allies are increasing their budget to at least one per cent of GDP, some people speak about 3 per cent already,” he said.
Rishi Sunak last week announced the UK’s defence spending would increase to 2.5 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps put pressure on Nato members to try to reach the 2.5 per cent target.
Trump recently reiterated his disappointment about the current situation, arguing: “[Europe has] taken advantage of us, both on Nato and on Ukraine.”
He added: “I’m going to try and help Ukraine but Europe has to get there also and do their job.”