Trump Calls NATO Spending ‘Ridiculous,’ Says U.S. Pays Too Much for Europe’s Defense

President Donald Trump unloaded on NATO’s spending imbalance Thursday, arguing it is “ridiculous” that American taxpayers continue footing the largest share of the bill for Europe’s defense while many allies contribute far less.

The president made the remarks in a Truth Social post as U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker appeared on Fox News discussing the alliance’s role following the recent U.S. military operation against Iran.

“The United States spends more money on NATO than any other country, by far, to protect them, without getting any benefit from so doing,” Trump wrote.

The president then rattled off the numbers, highlighting what he sees as years of lopsided burden-sharing within the alliance.

According to Trump, the United States spent roughly $999 billion on defense between 2014 and 2025. By comparison, he listed the United Kingdom at $90.5 billion, France at $66.5 billion, Italy at $48.8 billion and Poland at $44.3 billion.

“Others, including Germany, are MUCH LOWER,” Trump added.

He closed the post with a one-word verdict: “Ridiculous!”

TRUMP: The United States spends more money on NATO than any other country, by far, to protect them, without getting any benefit from so doing: U.S. 999 Billion Dollars, United Kingdom, 90.5 Billion Dollars, France, 66.5 Billion Dollars, Italy, 48.8 Billion Dollars, Poland, 44.3… pic.twitter.com/Q1MYQsajVS

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 2, 2026

Trump’s criticism landed while Whitaker was making the administration’s case that NATO allies should continue supporting American military operations rather than creating new obstacles.

Appearing on Fox & Friends, Whitaker warned alliance members not to second-guess or restrict U.S. military access to NATO infrastructure following the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“We can’t have NATO allies quibbling over whether American bases can be used or blocked,” Whitaker said, emphasizing that the alliance functions best when members work together instead of limiting U.S. operational flexibility.

Trump has spent years pressing NATO countries to increase defense spending, arguing that American taxpayers have carried a disproportionate share of the alliance’s security costs while many European governments underinvest in their own militaries.

Watch the clip above.