All NATO members expected to hit 2% defense spending goal for the first time

By Emily Hallas

Published August 29, 2025 11:45am ET

All 32 North Atlantic Treaty Organization members are projected to reach the alliance’s expectation of spending 2% of GDP on defence after receiving intense pressure from President Donald Trump to hit the minimum target.

Trump has long expressed concern that the United States is unfairly bearing the weight of supporting Europe’s defense capabilities, pressing NATO partners not only to meet the 2% target but also to push toward a 5% mark.