Donald Trump: NATO spending is ‘not fair, nor is it acceptable’

The U.S. pays for 90 percent of NATO, President Trump said Monday ahead of the international summit later this week.

He noted that member states have been improving, but insisted they “must do much more.”

The United States is spending far more on NATO than any other Country. This is not fair, nor is it acceptable. While these countries have been increasing their contributions since I took office, they must do much more. Germany is at 1%, the U.S. is at 4%, and NATO benefits…….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2018

…Europe far more than it does the U.S. By some accounts, the U.S. is paying for 90% of NATO, with many countries nowhere close to their 2% commitment. On top of this the European Union has a Trade Surplus of $151 Million with the U.S., with big Trade Barriers on U.S. goods. NO!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2018

Mr. Trump is scheduled to meet with other NATO heads of state this week for the 2018 summit in Brussels. The leaders will convene on Wednesday and Thursday.

The president strained relations with other European leaders with tariffs slapped on the EU in June.