Trump Slams Italy on NATO Spending, Warns Relationship Has 'Changed' Amid Iran War

US President Trump has publicly criticized Italy for its insufficient defense spending and lack of direct support in the Iran war, stating the relationship has soured.

This criticism follows NATO's new, higher spending target of 5% of GDP and Italy's recent policy moves, such as suspending a defense pact with Israel, which distance it from US Middle East policy.

The core of the conflict is 'burden-sharing,' with the U.S. pressuring allies to increase their contributions, as it currently shoulders nearly 60% of the alliance's total defense spending.

U.S. President Trump recently directed sharp criticism at Italy, a key NATO ally, for not spending enough on defense and being 'negative.'

This isn't just a sudden outburst; it's rooted in a long-standing issue known as 'burden-sharing'. For years, the U.S. has argued that it carries a disproportionate financial weight for Europe's security. While the U.S. share of NATO's relatively small common operational budget is about 16%, it accounts for nearly 60% of the total defense spending by all NATO members combined. This larger figure is what fuels the American grievance.

Two recent developments have significantly raised the stakes. First, NATO itself set a much higher bar. At a 2025 summit, allies agreed to a new framework aiming to spend 5% of their GDP on defense and security by 2035. This is a substantial increase from the previous 2% target, which Italy only just managed to meet in 2025. This leaves a massive spending gap that Italy must now address, making it a prime target for U.S. pressure.

Second, the ongoing war with Iran has added a layer of immediate geopolitical tension. The Trump administration expects strong, direct support from its allies, but Italy has shown reluctance. While offering some indirect aid, such as air-defense systems to Gulf states, Italy has reportedly limited the use of its military bases for U.S. operations related to the conflict. This perceived foot-dragging has clearly frustrated Washington.

The tipping point appears to have been Italy's decision on April 14, 2026—the day before Trump's comments—to suspend its defense cooperation agreement with Israel. Amid a U.S.-backed conflict involving Iran, this move was likely interpreted as a direct policy divergence, solidifying the view that Italy 'turned the US down.'

In essence, Trump's pointed remarks are the culmination of long-term frustration over spending, a demanding new NATO target, and Italy's cautious stance in a critical conflict. It represents a clear use of diplomatic pressure to compel allies to align more closely with U.S. strategic and financial expectations.

Burden-sharing: The principle that all members of an alliance should contribute their fair share to collective defense, both in terms of military capabilities and financial investment.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): A military alliance established in 1949 between North American and European countries for collective security.
GDP (Gross Domestic Product): The total monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period.

Trump Slams Italy on NATO Spending, Warns Relationship Has 'Changed' Amid Iran War

US President Trump has publicly criticized Italy for its insufficient defense spending and lack of direct support in the Iran war, stating the relationship has soured.

This criticism follows NATO's new, higher spending target of 5% of GDP and Italy's recent policy moves, such as suspending a defense pact with Israel, which distance it from US Middle East policy.

The core of the conflict is 'burden-sharing,' with the U.S. pressuring allies to increase their contributions, as it currently shoulders nearly 60% of the alliance's total defense spending.

U.S. President Trump recently directed sharp criticism at Italy, a key NATO ally, for not spending enough on defense and being 'negative.'

Burden-sharing: The principle that all members of an alliance should contribute their fair share to collective defense, both in terms of military capabilities and financial investment.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): A military alliance established in 1949 between North American and European countries for collective security.
GDP (Gross Domestic Product): The total monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period.