Donald Trump says US boasts historic economic growth as NATO allies boost defence spending

President Donald Trump told reporters in Ankara after the NATO summit that the United States is now experiencing the strongest economic growth in its history. He said record‑high private investment of $19.2 trillion – six times previous levels – is driving a surge in manufacturing, new factories, AI infrastructure and job creation. Trump added, “It is clear now that America is back, stronger, bigger, and better than ever before.”

He also praised NATO members for increasing defence spending to a 5 percent of GDP target and buying American weapons, describing the summit’s outcome as “unification” and saying, “Every one of those countries, they love us, they love each other.” The president claimed this defence spending boost would benefit the U.S. defence industry and reaffirm the alliance’s unity.

These remarks link the perceived economic resurgence with heightened NATO cooperation and defence investment.