US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed concerns over NATO, stating, “The hysteria in the media is baseless. President Trump supports NATO, and we will remain in NATO.” He clarified that Trump is not against the alliance but “against a NATO that does not have the capabilities it needs.” Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, Rubio urged all member states to increase defense spending to 5 percent to strengthen the alliance.

Rutte highlighted NATO’s continued support for Ukraine, noting over $20 billion in aid and ongoing negotiations for a lasting peace. He also pointed to growing security threats from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.