What is the story about?
US President Donald Trump posted a new message on Truth Social on January 7, reiterating his criticism of NATO allies and restating claims about his role in global conflicts and US military strength. The comments form part of a broader reflection on defence spending, alliances and international security.
In the post, the US president said NATO members were failing to meet defence spending commitments before his first term. He claimed that most allies were spending around 2% of GDP on defence while the US was paying a disproportionate share. Trump wrote that this changed during his presidency, saying, “They were at 2% GDP, and most weren’t paying their bills, until I came along.”
He added that allies were pushed to increase their contributions, stating, “I, respectfully, got them to 5% GDP, and they pay, immediately.” Trump said this shift strengthened the alliance but maintained that the US continued to shoulder the primary responsibility for NATO’s security.
Also read: US will receive $600 billion in tariffs, says Donald Trump
Trump also repeated claims about his involvement in global conflicts, asserting that he had helped prevent further escalation. He wrote, “I single-handedly ended eight wars,” and claimed that without his involvement, “Russia would have all of Ukraine right now.” He further said that what mattered most was that he had “saved millions of lives.”
Questioning NATO’s effectiveness without US backing, Trump said China and Russia have “zero fear of NATO without the United States,” and expressed doubts about whether the alliance would support the US if needed. He credited his first term with rebuilding American military strength, writing, “Everyone is lucky that I rebuilt our military in my first term.”
The message also referenced Norway’s decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize, which Trump dismissed as secondary to what he described as his broader achievements.
The post comes amid renewed attention on Trump’s foreign policy positions, including remarks related to Greenland. A White House statement cited by Reuters said Trump considers acquiring Greenland a US national security priority, particularly to deter adversaries in the Arctic region. The statement added that a range of options are under discussion, with military action remaining among the possibilities available to the president.
Also read: France working with allies on plan should US move on Greenland
In the post, the US president said NATO members were failing to meet defence spending commitments before his first term. He claimed that most allies were spending around 2% of GDP on defence while the US was paying a disproportionate share. Trump wrote that this changed during his presidency, saying, “They were at 2% GDP, and most weren’t paying their bills, until I came along.”
He added that allies were pushed to increase their contributions, stating, “I, respectfully, got them to 5% GDP, and they pay, immediately.” Trump said this shift strengthened the alliance but maintained that the US continued to shoulder the primary responsibility for NATO’s security.
Also read: US will receive $600 billion in tariffs, says Donald Trump
Trump also repeated claims about his involvement in global conflicts, asserting that he had helped prevent further escalation. He wrote, “I single-handedly ended eight wars,” and claimed that without his involvement, “Russia would have all of Ukraine right now.” He further said that what mattered most was that he had “saved millions of lives.”
Questioning NATO’s effectiveness without US backing, Trump said China and Russia have “zero fear of NATO without the United States,” and expressed doubts about whether the alliance would support the US if needed. He credited his first term with rebuilding American military strength, writing, “Everyone is lucky that I rebuilt our military in my first term.”
The message also referenced Norway’s decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize, which Trump dismissed as secondary to what he described as his broader achievements.
The post comes amid renewed attention on Trump’s foreign policy positions, including remarks related to Greenland. A White House statement cited by Reuters said Trump considers acquiring Greenland a US national security priority, particularly to deter adversaries in the Arctic region. The statement added that a range of options are under discussion, with military action remaining among the possibilities available to the president.
Also read: France working with allies on plan should US move on Greenland
