Spend 5% or We Step Back”: U.S. Warns NATO Allies.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned NATO allies today that they must nearly triple defense spending to 5% of GDP or risk losing America’s security guarantees, walking back fears of U.S. disengagement after his prior remarks rattled Europe.

While 23 members met NATO’s 2% benchmark in 2024, Hegseth called the target outdated, urging a surge to 5% with Poland (4%) leading the push.

He shifted Ukraine aid leadership to Europe, ruling out U.S. troops or NATO’s Article 5 protections for peacekeepers.

NATO chief Mark Rutte backed higher spending but rejected “compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty.” Talks ended without spending timelines, exposing rifts over feasibility.

Hegseth departed for Poland to bolster eastern defenses, signaling Europe’s security price just went up and Washington expects payment.