U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio has told allies that Washington remains committed to NATO.
This came as Rubio and newly confirmed US Ambassador to NATO, Matt Whitaker attended a conference of NATO Foreign Ministers.
It also comes at a time when the EU is frustrated with tariffs levied against them by President Donald Trump, as well as what Trump plans to do about the war in Ukraine and his relationship with Russia.
Rubio told reporters as he greeted NATO Secretary-General, Mark Rutte before the meeting began, that the United States is as active in NATO as it has ever been.
“And some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about NATO is unwarranted.”
“President Trump’s made clear he supports NATO. We’re going to remain in NATO.”
Marco Rubio
He insisted that Trump was not against NATO but rather against a NATO that does not have the capabilities that it needs to fulfil the obligations.
Whitaker said in a statement that under President Trump’s leadership, NATO will be stronger and more effective than ever before.
He also expressed belief that a robust NATO can continue to serve as a bedrock of peace and prosperity. However, he added, “NATO’s vitality rests on every ally doing their fair share.”
European allies and Canada are deeply concerned by Trump’s readiness to draw closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sees NATO as a threat as the U.S. tries to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as his rhetorical attacks and insults against allies like Canada and Denmark.
Trump’s imposition of new global tariffs, which will affect allies, have also added to the uncertainty and unease.
French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot warned that NATO’s unity is “being tested by the decisions taken and announced yesterday (Wednesday) by President Trump.”
Marco Urges NATO Allies To Bolter Defense Spending
Moreover, US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio called for partners in the NATO alliance to up their defense spending to 5% of their GDP.
Rubio explained that the US wants NATO to be stronger and more visible.
He added that the only way NATO can get stronger and more visible is for members to have “more capability.”
He noted that NATO nations are “rich countries who have the capability to do more.”
He pointed out a full-scale ground war in the heart of Europe is a reminder that “hard power is still necessary as a deterrent.”
“We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to five percent spending, and that includes the United States.
“No one expects you’re gonna be able to do this in one year or two. But the pathway has to be real.”
Marco Rubio
Later, Rubio wrote on X that peace isn’t free.
“It’s time for our Allies to increase defense spending. A strong NATO Alliance makes the world safer, but it requires each and every member to step up.”
Marco Rubio
A string of European countries has announced steep increases in military budgets, with economic powerhouse Germany opening the way for a major splurge.
Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna spoke with the media, and said his government decided a month ago to increase spending for defense for the next year up to 5%, at least because “Russia will remain a threat, and President Trump’s message has been very clear.”
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