Trump plans significant changes to NATO defense commitments

President Donald Trump is contemplating significant changes to the U.S. commitment to NATO, focusing on conditioning defense support on member nations meeting a specific defense spending percentage of their GDP. This potential shift could mean that if a NATO ally is attacked and does not meet these spending requirements, the U.S. may not come to its defense, marking a departure from the alliance's core principle known as Article 5. Trump's administration has indicated a possible reduction of U.S. military presence in Europe, with a focus on supporting countries that invest adequately in their defense. This proposal has raised concerns among lawmakers about the implications for NATO's collective defense strategy. Some officials, however, have reassured that the U.S. remains committed to NATO and Article 5. The proposed changes reflect ongoing tensions within the alliance about burden-sharing and military preparedness.