NATO’s 32 Leaders Gather, But All Eyes Are on Trump: The Summit That Revolves Around One Man

Jun 23, 2025
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NATO’s 32 Leaders Gather, But All Eyes Are on Trump: The Summit That Revolves Around One Man

NATO 2025: A Summit in Trump’s Shadow

Did you know that even when 32 leaders from the world’s most powerful military alliance gather, the spotlight can still focus on just one man? That’s exactly what’s happening at the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, where Donald Trump’s demands and personality are setting the tone for the entire event. While the official agenda is packed with urgent security issues, from Russia’s aggression to Middle East turmoil, the real story is how every move, speech, and deal is shaped by the need to appease the US president. This year, NATO’s unity and future are being tested like never before.

Trump’s 5% Demand: The Price of American Protection

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The headline issue at this summit is Trump’s insistence that all NATO members commit to spending 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035. That’s a dramatic leap from the previous 2% target, and it’s not just about tanks and missiles—Trump wants 3.5% for ‘core defense’ and another 1.5% for things like cyber security and infrastructure that could support military operations. European leaders have little choice but to go along, at least on paper. The final summit statement, compressed to just five paragraphs at Trump’s request, will reflect this new goal. But behind the scenes, there’s a lot of grumbling. Spain, for example, has already said it won’t follow the pledge, and several other countries are quietly skeptical about whether the target is realistic or even necessary.

A Pre-Arranged Show of Unity—But the Cracks Are Obvious

NATO summits are famous for their carefully choreographed unity, but this year, the cracks are impossible to hide. Trump’s America First approach has always clashed with the alliance’s multilateral spirit. He’s openly questioned the value of collective defense, accused European allies of freeloading, and threatened to withdraw US protection if spending doesn’t increase. While Secretary General Mark Rutte has worked hard to keep Trump happy, the reality is that the alliance is deeply divided over how to handle Russia, the war in Ukraine, and now the fallout from US military action against Iran. The summit’s main discussions have been shortened to just three hours, and contentious topics have been pushed off the agenda to avoid provoking Trump.

Russia, Iran, and the Limits of NATO’s Consensus

Russia’s ongoing aggression remains the alliance’s top security concern, and the summit statement will label Moscow as a ‘long-term threat.’ But even here, there’s tension. Some European countries want to ramp up support for Ukraine and take a harder line against the Kremlin, while Trump has signaled he’s open to negotiating with Putin and even reducing Russia’s diplomatic isolation. The recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have only added to the uncertainty, with European leaders unsure how to respond and worried about being dragged into another Middle East crisis. The result? A summit that’s more about managing differences than forging a bold new strategy.

Who’s In, Who’s Out: The Curious Case of South Korea

One notable absence at this year’s summit is South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Despite attending previous NATO meetings, Lee decided to skip The Hague gathering, citing the volatile situation in the Middle East and a desire to prioritize national interests. This move has sparked debate in South Korea, with some arguing that it signals a shift in the country’s foreign policy and could weaken ties with the West. Others see it as a pragmatic response to a rapidly changing global landscape. Either way, it’s a reminder that NATO’s influence extends far beyond the Atlantic, and that its decisions have ripple effects across the Indo-Pacific.

Community Buzz: What Are Koreans Saying?

Korean online communities are abuzz with debate about the summit and South Korea’s absence. On Theqoo and Naver, some users express relief that Lee isn’t getting dragged into NATO’s internal disputes, while others worry that Korea is missing out on key security discussions. On DC Inside and FM Korea, there’s frustration about the pressure to increase defense spending, with comments like ‘Why should we pay more for someone else’s war?’ and ‘America’s demands are getting out of hand.’ Meanwhile, a few on PGR21 note that Trump’s unpredictability makes it risky to rely too heavily on the US for security guarantees.

Cultural Insight: Why NATO Drama Matters to Global Fans

For international readers, it’s important to understand that NATO is not just a military club—it’s a symbol of Western unity and a key pillar of the post-World War II order. Trump’s skepticism toward the alliance, and his willingness to use it as a bargaining chip, has shaken many Europeans’ faith in American leadership. The push for higher defense spending reflects real fears about Russian aggression, but also deep anxieties about whether the US will stick around if things get tough. For countries like South Korea and Japan, which rely on American security guarantees, the drama in The Hague is a warning that alliances can’t be taken for granted.

Looking Ahead: Can NATO Survive the Trump Test?

As the summit wraps up, the big question is whether NATO can hold together in the face of Trump’s demands and the many crises on its doorstep. The new 5% spending pledge may look impressive on paper, but actually delivering on it will be a huge challenge—especially for countries struggling with economic woes or political divisions. The alliance’s ability to adapt, compromise, and stay united will be put to the test again and again, especially as Russia and other rivals look for opportunities to exploit any sign of weakness. For now, one thing is clear: in 2025, NATO may have 32 members, but it still revolves around the ambitions and moods of one man.

NATO
Trump
defense spending
The Hague summit
Europe
Russia
Iran
Zelensky
South Korea
alliance
military budget
5% GDP
Mark Rutte
Spain
security
Ukraine
collective defense

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