Trump: "NATO Defense Spending 2% Is Theft... Should Pay 3%"

Former President Donald Trump urged NATO member countries on the 26th (local time) to spend defense costs amounting to 3% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In a speech at the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) conference held in Detroit, Michigan, Trump said, "2% is a theft of the century."

Currently, NATO member countries have a defense spending target of 2% of GDP. Only Poland, the United States, Greece, and a few others spend more than 3% of their GDP on defense.

Trump claimed, "For years, NATO countries have spent far less than 2% of their GDP on the military, which has increased the burden on the United States," adding, "It was the United States that filled the gap, made up the shortfall, and helped deter threats."

In February, Trump sparked controversy by saying that NATO allies who do not pay defense costs would not be helped if attacked by Russia, and that this would rather encourage Russia to attack.

Meanwhile, as Trump publicly demands increased defense spending from NATO member countries, there is analysis that he may also demand an increase in defense cost-sharing from South Korea.