Trump: NATO's Article 5 has 'numerous definitions', alarming summit - FT

Trump: NATO's Article 5 has 'numerous definitions', alarming summit - FT

NATO leaders gathered in The Hague for a crucial summit, where the alliance's commitment to collective defense was put under the spotlight. President Donald Trump, who is attending the summit for the first time since returning to the White House in January, has sparked concern with his ambiguous stance on Article 5, the alliance's founding principle [1].

Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, signed in 1949, states that an armed attack against one or more NATO allies in Europe or North America is to be considered an attack against them all. However, when asked about his commitment to this principle during a press briefing on Air Force One, Trump replied that it "depends on your definition" [1].

Trump's response has raised eyebrows among NATO allies, who are hoping to reassure themselves of the U.S.'s commitment to collective defense. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has tried to allay these fears, stating that he has "no doubt" about the U.S.'s commitment to Article 5 [1].

The summit is also expected to address Trump's long-standing demand for NATO members to increase their defense spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035. This is a significant increase from the current average of around 2% [3]. While some nations, like Spain, have already agreed to contribute less than this target, the summit aims to reach a consensus that could ease doubts about the U.S.'s commitment to the alliance [3].

The summit comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the U.S. having recently launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Israel and Iran having agreed to a ceasefire. These developments are likely to be a significant talking point at the summit, particularly given Trump's desire to prioritize U.S. interests in the region [2].

The summit is expected to conclude with a formal dinner hosted by the Dutch King and Queen, followed by a NATO family photo. Trump is also set to participate in a news conference where he is likely to face questions about his recent actions in the Middle East and his commitment to NATO's mutual defense clause [2].

References:
[1] https://news.sky.com/story/donald-trump-dodges-commitment-to-founding-nato-principle-13388102
[2] https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-attend-nato-summit-days-after-us-strikes/story?id=12313554
[3] https://gvwire.com/2025/06/24/nato-leaders-set-to-back-trump-defense-spending-goal-at-hague-summit/