Rahm Emanuel supports Trump's call for Europe to increase defense spending, citing dependence on America.
Key facts
- •Rahm Emanuel, a 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful, supports Trump's call for increased European defense spending.
- •Emanuel believes Europe has become too reliant on America's resources within NATO.
- •Emanuel endorses the goal of NATO allies spending 5 percent of their GDP on defense by 2035.
- •Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez disagrees, saying Spain can meet NATO targets with 2.1 percent of GDP.
Rahm Emanuel, a 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful, agrees with Donald Trump that Europe should spend more on defense. Emanuel stated that Europe has become too reliant on America's resources within the NATO military alliance.
By the numbers
Emanuel's Statement
In an interview with POLITICO's Gordon Repinski in Berlin, Emanuel said, 'You're responsible for getting dependent on America over the years,' referring to European NATO members. He added, 'The truth is we're responsible for letting you get dependent on us.' When asked about Trump's demand for more defense spending, Emanuel responded, 'Of course he does.'
NATO Spending Goal
Emanuel endorsed Trump's demand that NATO allies spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense by 2035, a pledge made at the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague. However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez argued that Spain could meet NATO's capability targets with 2.1 percent of GDP.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Politico Europe.
