President Trump admonished Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for not contributing enough to the NATO military alliance.
“Where are you now in terms of your number?” Trump asked Trudeau on Tuesday during a press gaggle at the summit.
“1.4 (GDP), and continuing to move forward,” the Canadian leader replied.
“They’re getting there,” Trump responded.
Defense spending is the touchiest issue among member nations in the alliance. Trump has criticized nations that underpay in the past and publicly wondered why America still takes part in the alliance.
In 2014, all NATO members agreed to increase their defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by 2024, according to CNBC.
Nations in Europe and Canada are expected to boost overall military spending by that time, experts say.
“Slightly delinquent, I would say, Canada,” Trump commented. “But they’ll be OK. I have confidence.”
