Trump suggests NATO allies double defense spending

US President Donald Trump suggests that NATO allies commit to spending 4 percent of their GDP on defense, up from the current goal of 2% by 2024.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirms Trump raised the idea at a closed-door meeting with fellow NATO leaders Wednesday in Brussels.

It’s unclear by what date he’d like to see the increase.

Trump has been pressing member countries to spend more on defense, accusing them of freeloading off the US.

NATO estimates that 15 members, or just over half, will meet the benchmark by 2024 based on current trends.

— AP

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