In a recent interview, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the need for the United States to reassess its financial commitments to NATO allies, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated that support for Ukraine must be “European-led,” underlining the expectation that European nations should take greater responsibility for their military readiness and regional security. Waltz noted that many NATO members have historically fallen short of their defense budget commitments, particularly the agreed-upon minimum of 2% of GDP, which he argued has not been met by a substantial number of members since its establishment in 2014.
Waltz pointed to the insufficient investments in naval capabilities by European countries as a concerning trend. He highlighted the geographical and economic implications of shipping security in the Red Sea, which serves as a vital route for European trade. As European nations have not adequately developed their naval forces, this raises the prospect of greater reliance on American military support. Waltz noted that this lack of preparedness could directly impact Europe’s economy and security landscape, signaling a call for collective European action to bolster defense efforts.
In discussing the broader European security architecture, Waltz echoed President Trump’s push for NATO nations to increase their defense budgets to at least 5% of their GDP. The inadequacy of current military spending across NATO member states was made clear, with an average of just 2.71% last year. While several countries, including Poland and the UK, have pledged to enhance their defense budgets significantly, others lag behind, prompting the U.S. to intensify demands for equitable burden-sharing among allies.
The national security adviser also articulated a distinction between Eastern European allies and more economically stable nations that have not met their commitments. He praised Finland and Norway for their contributions but criticized Spain, Canada, and Italy for their insufficient efforts. Specifically, Waltz pointed out Canada’s timeline for reaching its commitments, which he suggested was unacceptably delayed. He argued for a strategic military presence in Canada’s Arctic region to counter emerging threats from China and Russia, making a case for a reevaluation of defense priorities.
Amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Waltz has been involved in efforts to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The current administration is focused on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, while also engaged in military operations against Iran-backed groups in Yemen. Waltz emphasized the scale of U.S. military action against the Houthis and called for greater attention to the geopolitical stakes at play in Iran, asserting that military options remain “on the table” if necessary.
As the Trump administration prepares for upcoming diplomatic engagements in the Middle East, Waltz expressed cautious optimism about potential resolutions to various regional conflicts. However, he remains vigilant about the Iranian threat, particularly regarding their nuclear capabilities. The U.S. approach aims to ensure regional stability while advocating for European allies to take on more responsibility in their defense efforts, reinforcing the notion that the U.S. can no longer bear the financial weight alone.
