Translated with AI
US President Donald Trump is considering stripping NATO members of their voting rights in decision-making if they fail to meet the 5% of GDP defense spending target, The Telegraph reported on March 27.
According to the publication, the head of the White House is considering this option after US allies in Europe refused to send ships to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.
A US administration source stated that the American side's disappointment with the actions of European countries was significant. He stated that countries that don't spend 5% of their GDP on defense should have no say in decisions about future NATO spending.
It is noted that voting rights are important when making decisions on expanding the alliance, conducting joint missions and applying the provisions of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty on collective defense.
The source also stressed that the US considers the actions of certain allies, including Spain and Great Britain, unacceptable.
In 2025, the UK spent 2.33% of its GDP on defence, only slightly more than Romania, Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia.
Donald Trump is also reportedly considering withdrawing American troops from Germany. According to sources close to the US president, this issue has been under discussion since his return to office in 2025.
Currently, all NATO member states spend at least 2% of GDP on defense. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance should develop a plan to reach 5% of GDP at the Ankara summit on July 7–8.
According to NATO sources, the American side has not yet officially submitted these proposals for discussion at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, but US representatives have already raised the issue at various discussion forums.
NATO decision-making requires consensus, and allies could likely block such changes, potentially leading to further tensions.
Previously, Donald Trump also allowed for the possibility of the US completely withdrawing from the alliance amid disappointment with the lack of support from the EU and the UK in the conflict in the Middle East.
Sources say Trump's relationship with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has deteriorated after he refused to allow the Diego Garcia airbase to be used to attack missile depots in Iran.
On March 26, the Pentagon notified the US Congress of plans to redirect approximately $750 million in weapons supplies to Ukraine to replenish its own stockpiles.
In mid-March, Donald Trump called on the UK, France, China, Japan, and South Korea to send ships to protect the Strait of Hormuz. However, most countries stated they had no such plans.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that this is not his country's war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted the lack of a corresponding mandate from the UN, EU, or NATO.
European Union Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas said that the majority of EU countries opposed expanding the naval mission's mandate to the Persian Gulf.
French President Emmanuel Macron said France does not intend to participate in the operation to protect the Strait of Hormuz and believes the situation requires a diplomatic solution.
