Foreign Policy

U.S. To Reduce Its Contribution To NATO's Central Budget

President Trump has frequently criticized the military alliance, but the reduction in U.S. spending is largely symbolic.

U.S. To Reduce Its Contribution To NATO's Central Budget
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The Trump administration is substantially reducing the amount of money the U.S. gives to NATO. 

The most recent data shows the U.S. provided about 22% of NATO's budget in 2018 and 2019. U.S. defense officials told CNN that President Donald Trump plans to reduce that to 16%. 

This cache of funds is the central budget for the international organization. It's separate from the defense spending, which is supposed to sit at 2% of the GDP for each member country. 

President Trump has frequently criticized the military alliance, but the reduction in U.S. spending is largely symbolic. Germany has agreed to pay more to make up the difference. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN