President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for insufficient defense spending just days before the alliance's summit in Ankara, Turkey.
He described the current level of US financial support as "ridiculous."
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump shared a chart comparing defense expenditures among member nations.
He wrote that the US spends $999 billion, far more than the UK ($90.5 billion), France ($66.5 billion), Italy ($48.8 billion), and Poland ($44.3 billion).
He added that others, including Germany, are "MUCH LOWER."
The figures appear to match NATO data on estimated 2025 defense budgets, though media reports note these reflect total national defense spending, not direct alliance funds.
Trump argued the relationship is not reciprocal. "They were not there for us!!!"
he stated in a subsequent post.
The complaints follow tensions over the recent war in Iran, where several European allies refused US access to joint bases for offensive operations.
Trump earlier called NATO a "Paper Tiger" for not providing help during that conflict.
Germany Defends Its Contributions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz responded to Trump's criticism on Friday, defending his nation's defense buildup.
He said Germany is doubling its defense budget within four years, calling it the greatest effort ever made to strengthen capabilities.
"We have no reason to shy away from anyone," Merz stated. He added that Germany, as the EU's largest member state, bears responsibility within Europe.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is conducting a six-month review of American troop presence in Europe.
He said the review aims to ensure NATO moves toward Europe taking primary responsibility for its own defense.
Hegseth also called on Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, citing under-investment as the greatest threat to national security.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently visited the White House to ease tensions.
He said the Ankara summit will show the world that allies are delivering on commitments made in The Hague last year.
Rutte noted that member nations will announce billions in new contracts.
Despite political friction, operational logistics have shifted.
After Washington informed allies it would reduce assets dedicated to the NATO Force Model, European allies largely filled the gaps, according to Supreme Allied Commander Europe spokesperson Martin O'Donnell.
Military experts worry that political feuds could overshadow key priorities like the conflict in Ukraine.
Retired General Richard Shirreff, former NATO deputy supreme allied commander, said the summit should focus on a unified strategy to defeat Russian forces.
He criticized efforts to keep Trump in the alliance as a "head-in-the-sand approach."
