In a fiery broadside that echoes the America First doctrine of the Trump administration, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio blasted NATO’s European members this week, calling them “junior partners” and accusing them of freeloading off U.S. military might. His prescription: European nations must quadruple their defense budgets to 5% of GDP or risk irrelevance—and possibly collapse—within the alliance.
Rubio: “This Isn’t a Real Alliance—It’s a Dependency”
In a no-holds-barred interview with The Free Press, Rubio minced no words:
“NATO is only as strong as the commitments of its members… If the U.S. is carrying the lion’s share, with European nations as mere junior partners, that’s not a true alliance—it’s a dependency.”
Despite years of promises, many NATO countries have failed to meet the 2% GDP benchmark established in 2014. According to Rubio, this ongoing dereliction has turned NATO into a “one-sided enterprise”—with American taxpayers footing the bill.
A New Benchmark: 5% or Bust
Rubio’s proposed solution is nothing short of radical: every NATO country should aim for 5% of GDP in defense spending. It’s a massive jump that would transform Europe’s militaries overnight—or expose who’s truly serious about collective defense.
“For NATO to remain credible, its members must fulfill their responsibilities,” Rubio declared. “Europe must step up to the plate. It’s time for allies to make the necessary sacrifices.”
Backed by Trump’s Inner Circle
Rubio’s hardline stance is no solo act. He’s joined by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who bluntly warned:
“Europe’s security cannot remain a one-way street. The U.S. will no longer bear the brunt of NATO’s defense costs while others shirk their responsibilities.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed that sentiment during a speech at the Army War College, stating:
“The era of the U.S. being the sole guarantor of European security is over. NATO’s 2% target is no longer enough. If Europe wants security, Europe must fund it.”
The End of American Indulgence
Rubio’s comments come after his first NATO foreign ministers’ meeting, where he assured allies of continued U.S. support—but with clear conditions. The Trump administration, now in its second term, has made it clear: no more blank checks for Europe.
The U.S. position is firm—either NATO becomes a mutual partnership in both name and funding, or the alliance faces a potential unraveling.
The June Summit: NATO’s Moment of Reckoning
All eyes now turn to the June NATO Summit, where the pressure will be on European leaders to pony up or shut up. With Russian aggression, Middle East instability, and China’s rising influence, the global security environment is growing more dangerous by the day.
“The United States is still committed to NATO,” Rubio concluded, “but not as a one-sided enterprise. For NATO to remain effective, Europe must do more.”
The Bottom Line
Rubio’s message is crystal clear: The age of American military charity is over. NATO members who want protection must invest in their own defense. If they don’t, they risk losing America’s support—and the very alliance they depend on.
The question now is whether Europe has the political will to meet the moment. Because this time, the U.S. isn’t bluffing.