Major headlines emphasize NATO’s defense spending surge while sidelining the rhetoric of deterrence— raising questions about strategic messaging and what this shift could mean for the U.S. and L.A.

After the increased spending pledges, President Donald Trump echoed his “ironclad commitment” to NATO’s mutual defense obligation.

President Trump has long pushed the European allies to be more self-sufficient on defense, relying less on American protection. NATO committed to a major increase over the next decade.