European leaders are making clear ahead of the Trump presidency that they plan to spend more on defense as Russia remains a top threat and as security concerns in the Middle East and North Africa escalate.

During his first administration, Trump said in 2018 that the defense spending goal for NATO should be doubled to 4 percent. While on the campaign trail in the lead-up to the 2024 election, he also accused NATO of relying too much on U.S. contributions.