U.S. President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of stripping NATO countries of their voting rights in decision-making if they do not meet the defense spending target of 5% of GDP, LETA reports citing DW and The Telegraph.
Trump is exploring this option after European allies of the U.S. refused to send ships to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.
"Our dissatisfaction with the Europeans was quite real," a representative of the American administration told the publication. "Any country that does not contribute 5% should have no voice in future NATO spending decisions."
"We cannot give a voice on future expenditures to those who do not contribute," the U.S. source added. "We need to clearly state that what Spain and the UK did is unacceptable."
Sources close to the U.S. president reported that he is also considering the possibility of withdrawing American troops from Germany. According to the publication, Trump has been contemplating this move since returning to the presidency in 2025.
Currently, all NATO countries spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance will have to develop a plan to achieve the 5% target at the summit scheduled for July 7–8 in Ankara.
Three sources within NATO told The Telegraph that the U.S. has not yet officially presented these plans for discussion at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. However, one of the interlocutors noted that American representatives insist on implementing a new model in various discussions.
Unanimity is required for decision-making within the alliance. NATO allies are likely to block any changes that could lead to a new confrontation with Trump, the publication notes.
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