Why the US Still Carries NATO’s Defense Bill

Data for 2025 reveals a stark picture of defense spending within NATO, with the United States projected to contribute an overwhelming 60.2% of the alliance’s total $1.40 trillion budget, amounting to $845 billion.

In comparison, the combined spending of all European NATO members and Canada totals $559 billion, representing just 39.8% of the total expenditure.

This massive financial gap underscores the United States’ role as the indispensable financial backbone of the alliance, as NATO’s total military budget would shrink by more than half without American contributions.

Despite recent pledges and increases in defense outlays by European nations, the figures highlight the persistent and substantial burden-sharing debate within the alliance, reinforcing long-standing discussions about equitable financial responsibility among member states for their collective security.