Trump warns NATO as alliance set to adopt 5% of GDP defense spending goal

U.S. President Donald Trump joined a key NATO summit at The Hague on Tuesday, just hours after refusing to commit to the alliance’s core collective defense promise, as allies aim to entice him with a pledge to boost defense spending.

The summit is being held as leaders look to emphasize that a military buildup is necessary for deterring Russia. NATO Secretary-GeneralMark Rutte has claimed without evidence that Russia could be ready to attack the alliance in five years.

After arriving in the Netherlands, the U.S. president was all smiles as he joined leaders and senior officials from the alliance’s 31 other members for a group photo and a dinner hosted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander. But U.S. commitment concerns among members had grown over comments Trump made while en route aboard Air Force One.