Trump: NATO should raise defense spending to 5% of GDP

US President-elect Donald Trump says NATO member countries should increase their defense spending to 5 percent of their GDP.

Trump made the remark at a news conference in the southern US state of Florida on Tuesday.

He said defense spending by NATO members should be at 5 percent, not 2 percent, of GDP.

Trump has been promoting his “America First” policy. He has repeatedly claimed that NATO member states are not paying their fair share on defense.

Ahead of taking office on January 20, the president-elect urged NATO member states to shoulder a heavier burden.

NATO members have set their targets for defense spending at 2 percent of GDP. NATO says no member state of the military alliance is currently spending 5 percent or more of GDP on defense.

It adds that defense spending by the US remains at the 3-percent level.

Trump has also expressed reservation about continuing military support for Ukraine, saying European countries should increase their burden.

Last month, Britain’s Financial Times reported that Trump’s team told European officials about his plan to demand big increases in defense spending from NATO members. The report also quoted sources as saying Trump intends to continue supplying military aid to Ukraine.