Germany Endorses Trump's Proposal for 5% NATO Defense Spending

Germany has expressed its support for U.S. President Donald Trump's initiative to elevate NATO members' defense spending target to 5% of their respective GDPs, according to statements made by Johann Wadephul, Germany's Foreign Minister, on Thursday.

When questioned regarding NATO leader Mark Rutte's remark that alliance members should raise their defense budgets to 3.5% of GDP with an additional commitment of 1.5% towards broader security concerns, Wadephul noted that this plan likely involved coordination with the U.S. and is slated for discussion at the ongoing NATO foreign ministers' gathering.

Wadephul elaborated during a session in Turkey, stating, "Ultimately, the outcome aligns with President Trump’s requisition of 5%, which he considers essential. We are in agreement with this perspective and moving forward on that basis," as per the translation offered by CNBC.

President Trump has persistently urged NATO countries to increase their defense outlays, highlighting that some members have yet to achieve the current 2% GDP target.

Furthermore, Wadephul had discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the margins of the Thursday event. On the social media platform X, he described their dialogue as "an excellent beginning, especially amidst a period where foreign policy is critically significant."