defense
Pentagon chief Hegseth suddenly praises Germany
Updated 12/07/2025 – 9:19 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
In view of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, NATO wants to increase its defense spending. Pete Hegseth, who calls himself Secretary of War, likes this.
With regard to national defense spending, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth also sees positive developments in Germany. At the Reagan National Defense Forum in the US state of California, he praised the NATO agreement to massively increase defense spending.
“Exemplary allies who are stepping up, such as Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltic states and others, will receive our special favor,” he emphasized. He made it clear that the US expected similar things from other allies.
Those who still do not do their part in collective defense must face consequences, said the US Secretary of Defense, who now calls himself Secretary of War. US President Donald Trump likes to help countries that would help themselves, said Hegseth in Simi Valley.
Under the impression of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and at Trump’s insistence, NATO agreed in June to invest at least 3.5 percent of the national GDP in defense. An additional 1.5 percent should then be added for defense-related expenses, such as infrastructure.
Overall, five percent of the gross domestic product should be invested in defense and security every year from 2035 at the latest – more than ever since the Cold War. In Germany, defense spending is expected to grow to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2029.
The new US security strategy with its sharp criticism of Europe is currently causing tensions in transatlantic relations. The US government painted a bleak picture of the situation in Europe. For example, Trump brands the current political landscape in the EU as a threat to American interests.
There are also complaints about an alleged loss of democracy and freedom of expression in Europe. A course correction is necessary, the document said.
