Secretary of State Marco Rubio and newly confirmed NATO ambassador Matt Whitaker are in Brussels reassuring NATO allies of the U.S. commitment to the alliance. At a meeting of alliance foreign ministers, Rubio emphasized the importance of increased defense spending, calling on allies to step up their contributions. In a tweet, he stated, "Peace isn't free. It’s time for our Allies to increase defense spending."
Peace isn't free. It’s time for our Allies to increase defense spending. Thanks to @USNATO and @USAmbNATO for your work to make sure NATO is stronger together. pic.twitter.com/Cog58cwRjk
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 3, 2025
Rubio sought to calm fears about U.S. commitment, insisting that the U.S. remains as active in NATO as ever. He also dismissed concerns over NATO’s future, saying, “The United States is fully committed to NATO.” Whitaker echoed this, praising NATO's strength under President Trump’s leadership but stressing that each member must contribute their fair share. Following the meeting, Rubio reiterated the importance of a robust NATO, tweeting, “A strong NATO Alliance makes the world safer, but it requires each and every member to step up.”
