Donald Trump is considering plans to push Nato members to increase defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP if he wins a second term in the White House, The Telegraph understands.
The former president thinks member states should be asked to contribute more to the alliance’s collective defence in light of threats from Russia and China.
He also believes the accounting rules should be changed so that spending on military assistance for Ukraine is not counted towards the target – a policy that would push several countries below the current target of 2 per cent of GDP.
“His thinking is evolving towards 3 per cent, especially after speaking to Duda – and that’s not including money for Ukraine,” said the source.
Luxembourg, which had the smallest budget for defence compared to its GDP, spent just 1 per cent, while Belgium and Spain spent 1.2 per cent.
Mr Trump said Europe has “taken advantage of us, both on Nato and on Ukraine”.
“If Europe is not going to pay, why should we pay?” he said. “Because they’re much more greatly affected. We have an ocean in between us [and Russia]. They don’t.”
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