Marco Rubio Urges NATO Allies to Increase Defense Spending
Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured NATO allies to advocate for higher defense spending to strengthen deterrence against regional escalation from the war in Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Portugal, Iceland, and Greece to pressure NATO member states to increase their defense spending. During the tour, Rubio argued that stronger individual member capabilities are essential for the alliance to function as an effective deterrent, specifically warning that the war in Ukraine could escalate into a broader regional conflict through sabotage in neighboring NATO countries.
Rubio described the American pressure on allies as "not a hostile thing," framing the demand as a necessity for collective security. This diplomatic push follows demands from President Donald Trump for allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP to reduce the financial burden on the United States. While Rubio praised Portugal for its efforts to reach NATO targets, the country's planned increase to 3% of GDP remains below the Trump administration's 5% requirement.
In Portugal, the center-right government granted the U.S. conditional approval to use the Lajes Field air base for operations in the Iran war. This decision is currently under legal review by the attorney general following complaints from the Left Bloc party. Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has accused some NATO members of "free-riding" and ordered a review of U.S. forces stationed in Europe.
