Opinion

Trump pushed NATO to pay up. Now allies must turn pledges into power

Allied capability drives deterrence. And deterrence keeps the peace

By Matthew Whitaker Fox News

Published July 6, 2026 1:07pm EDT

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Declarations are not deterrence. Commitments are not capabilities.

At The Hague last year, NATO Allies made a historic pledge: five percent of GDP annually on core defense and security-related capabilities. It was a declaration that the Free World will rise to the challenges of this century — and a testament to the historic leadership of President Trump. His unwavering determination has secured a surge in Allied defense investment not seen since the founding of NATO.

But as we approach the NATO Summit in Ankara, the Alliance faces its defining test: turning promises into realities on the ground.

TRUMP CALLS OUT NATO AHEAD OF SUMMIT, CALLING IT 'RIDICULOUS' FOR US TO PERSIST ON 'ONE SIDED PATH'

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