Updated at 1:03 p.m. ET
President Trump on Wednesday demanded that NATO allies increase defense spending immediately and double their current goal for burden-sharing in the defense alliance. As Trump gathered with leaders of NATO countries for a summit in Brussels, he also repeatedly said Germany’s energy dependence on Russia undermines its independence.
He blasted the German government for not spending more on defense and suggested that a 3-year-old energy supply agreement has left Germany “captive” to Russia. Hours later, though, Trump took a softer line during a face-to-face photo op with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
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