Staff Reports
NATO’s 2025 summit in The Hague marked a turning point for the alliance, as leaders responded decisively to mounting global threats by committing to a historic increase in defense spending. The new pledge—5% of GDP by 2035—doubles the previous target and was widely seen as a direct response to persistent pressure from President Trump, who has long insisted that European allies and Canada shoulder more of the collective defense burden. This move is not just about dollars and cents; it signals a long-overdue recognition in Europe that American taxpayers cannot be expected to underwrite the continent’s security indefinitely, especially as the U.S. faces growing challenges in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere.
The summit unfolded against a backdrop of escalating threats. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to destabilize Europe, while China’s military buildup and aggressive posture toward Taiwan demand greater vigilance and resources from the West. The alliance’s leaders made clear that Russia remains the most immediate threat to NATO, with its campaign of hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, and nuclear intimidation. At the same time, the deepening partnership between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea underscores the reality that global security threats are more interconnected than ever. NATO’s renewed focus on the Indo-Pacific—once a secondary concern—reflects the recognition that what happens in Asia can have direct consequences for Europe and the Atlantic alliance.
President Trump’s influence was unmistakable at the summit. His insistence that NATO members pay their fair share has finally borne fruit, with Secretary General Mark Rutte and other leaders openly crediting Trump for driving the alliance toward greater self-reliance and fairness. The days of European nations freeloading on American defense spending are coming to an end, and the new investment plan is a testament to the effectiveness of Trump’s tough-love approach. While some European leaders grumbled about the scale of the commitment, the reality is that only a robust, well-funded NATO can deter adversaries and ensure peace.
The alliance also reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, even as debates continue about the timing and terms of eventual NATO membership. The message to Moscow was clear: the West will not abandon Ukraine, and any aggression will be met with unity and resolve. Meanwhile, the U.S.-led strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities served as a reminder of the necessity for strength and resolve in the face of proliferating threats. Surgical military action, backed by credible deterrence, is sometimes the only language that rogue regimes understand.
For years, conservatives have argued that American security cannot be separated from the strength and unity of its alliances. The 2025 summit finally saw Europe stepping up, not just in rhetoric but in real financial and military commitments. The new path forward is clear: a stronger, fairer, and more lethal NATO, built on the principle of shared responsibility. This is the kind of leadership and alliance-building that keeps America—and the free world—safe.
