NATO Allies Lift Defense Spending to 4% of GDP as 73% of Americans Back the Alliance
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 9
NATO Allies Lift Defense Spending to 4% of GDP as 73% of Americans Back the Alliance
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 9
Summary
Around 4% of GDP in total defense and security spending has now been reached by NATO allies at the Ankara summit, marking early progress toward the 5% goal set in The Hague in 2025.
That spending push matters politically in Washington because a Reagan Institute survey found 73% of Americans say staying in NATO matters to U.S. security and prosperity, including 61% of self-identified MAGA Republicans.
Support for NATO’s core mission also remains strong: 72% of Americans back using military force if an ally is attacked, and 69% of MAGA Republicans support that Article 5 commitment.
The poll also exposed a split in attitudes toward the institution itself, with 55% of Americans opposing withdrawal from NATO while 63% of MAGA Republicans favor leaving the alliance.
Rising European defense budgets — after a quarter-trillion-dollar increase cited by NATO chief Mark Rutte this week — are emerging as the clearest test of burden-sharing and of long-term U.S. commitment.
Is Trump's tough stance forcing Europe to build a military that can finally stand on its own?
Can Europe's defense industry surge fast enough to arm Ukraine as direct US military aid runs out?
With the EU activating its defense clause, is a new European army quietly taking shape outside of NATO?
NATO at a Crossroads: 2026 Ankara Summit Drives 3.5% Defense Spending and Europeanization Amid Global Crisis
Overview
The 2026 NATO summit in Ankara marked a pivotal moment for the alliance, as leaders reaffirmed their 'ironclad commitment' to Article 5, highlighting the tense global environment. The summit signaled a renewed focus on collective defense and a significant push for increased defense spending among member states. This unprecedented surge in spending was driven by a shared effort to enhance NATO’s capabilities and ensure that the burden of security is more fairly distributed. Together, these actions reflect NATO’s determination to adapt and strengthen its unity in response to growing security challenges.