Hegseth's Demand: NATO Must Increase Defence Spending to 5%

NATO Defence Spending: Hegseth's Call for 5% Increase Brussels, Belgium – June 5, 2025 – A significant development unfolded today at a NATO meeting in Brussels. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth reiterated the United States's demand for all NATO member states to raise their defence spending to 5% of their respective GDPs. This call comes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and a renewed focus on collective security within the alliance. Hegseth, speaking directly to reporters, emphasized the need for NATO members to move beyond symbolic gestures and invest substantially in their military capabilities. "You've got to be more than flags; you've got to be formations," he stated, highlighting the importance of combat-ready forces. He also underscored the need for NATO to concentrate on its core mission of continental defense. Hegseth's remarks build upon a previous initiative launched during President Trump's first term, which initially called for a 2% defense spending target. This renewed push for a 5% increase signals a significant escalation in the US's expectations of its NATO allies. The upcoming summit in The Hague will be crucial in determining the response to this call. The video of Hegseth's statement has already garnered significant attention online, underscoring the importance of this development to the international community. The outcome of this call for increased spending will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the future of NATO and global security.