NATO’s Rutte brings charts, pushback as Trump questions alliance’s worth (opens original article in a new tab)

NATO's Rutte met with Trump to defend the alliance's value and address concerns over defense spending and support during the Iran conflict, while Trump continued to question NATO's effectiveness.

• NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with U.S. President Donald Trump to address concerns about European allies' defense spending and support during the Iran conflict.
• Rutte presented charts showing a $250 billion increase in defense spending by allies since 2025, partly due to U.S. leadership, and highlighted job creation from defense contracts.
• Trump criticized several NATO members for not meeting defense spending targets and questioned the alliance's value, despite Rutte's efforts to reassure him.