Trump administration to cut its financial contribution to NATO

12:26, 28.11.2019

The Administration of US President Donald Trump has moved to substantially cut its contribution to NATO’s collective budget according to several US and NATO officials.

According to CNN, a symbolic move comes as many continue to question President Donald Trump’s commitment to the transatlantic alliance as he prepares to attend a summit to mark its 70th anniversary in London next week.

Previously the US provided some 22% of NATO’s direct funding, which covers the cost of maintaining the NATO headquarters, joint security investments and some combined military operations.

It’s a largely symbolic move as NATO’s direct budget is relatively small, at about $2.5 billion, and is separate from national defence budgets that NATO recommends should stand at 2% of GDP.

US defence officials tell CNN that the Trump administration sought to reduce its contribution to about 16%, bringing it in line with Germany’s, which provides 14.8% despite the US having a larger economy.

US and NATO officials told CNN that the other NATO members are expected to make up the shortfall.

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