NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Wednesday he anticipates a historic rise in defense spending among alliance members, crediting former President Trump’s pressure for driving the shift.

Trump’s Influence on Defense Spending

Speaking ahead of NATO’s annual summit in The Hague, Rutte stated that “hefty increases in military spending” are expected to be approved by leaders, and he openly credited Donald Trump’s influence. “This would not have happened if Trump would not have been elected president of the United States,” Rutte told reporters, adding that Trump’s push has made NATO stronger.

Trump has demanded that each of NATO’s 32 members spend at least 5% of their GDP on defense—far above the current 2% target. While most countries support the move in principle and have until 2035 to meet the new goal, Spain has already voiced concern about the affordability of such a hike.

“These are difficult decisions, let’s be honest,” Rutte said when asked about Spain’s reservations.

Endorsement of Trump and U.S. Commitment

Rutte also addressed a message he had sent to Trump praising his leadership—a message Trump publicly shared. “I’m not embarrassed,” Rutte said.

The NATO chief dismissed concerns over Trump’s ambiguous stance on Article 5—the alliance’s mutual defense clause. “For me, there is absolute clarity that United States is totally committed to NATO, totally committed to Article 5,” he emphasized.

When asked how he felt heading into the summit, Rutte quipped, “I’m excited, but to a level where I can still control it.”