Overview

• Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. remains fully committed to NATO, dismissing concerns about withdrawal as exaggerated and unfounded.
• Rubio called on NATO allies to raise their defense spending to 5% of GDP, citing the need for stronger collective deterrence capabilities.
• European allies expressed concerns over potential U.S. troop reductions in Europe and sought clarity on Washington's security plans.
• Tensions within NATO have been heightened by new U.S. tariffs and President Trump's pursuit of closer ties with Russia, which allies view as undermining unity.
• NATO members are working on 'burden shifting' strategies to address potential security gaps if U.S. forces are scaled back.