Sen. Thom Tillis on Whether the U.S. Is Still a Reliable Partner to Europe: They Need to Step Up, ‘Not Let This Be Episodic’

MUNICH—U.S. Senator Thom Tillis emphasized America's enduring commitment to NATO while urging European allies to address longstanding defense spending shortfalls, speaking here at what appears to be a key international gathering. Tillis highlighted a "two trillion dollar shortfall" in mutual defense investments by NATO allies over the past two decades, attributing current transatlantic tensions in part to this deficit during the first 20 years of the 21st century.

In a rush excerpt from his remarks, Tillis acknowledged entering "an era where our reliance on Europe is [to be] improved," while expressing challenges with certain statements from the White House. "That frustration comes from a two trillion dollar shortfall in investing in our mutual defense, but far too many NATO allies," he said, urging a balanced perspective that gives "the administration and the president some latitude to point to the fact that a two trillion dollar shortfall over two decades" has impacted U.S. readiness.

The North Carolina Republican detailed the consequences of the shortfall, questioning, "What [has] that [done] to our readiness? What [has] that [done to] our innovation? What’s that [done] to our military industrial base and manufacturing capacity?" He argued that the funds could have been used "to better serve Ukraine and better modernize our own [weapons]," allowing for "scaling up lethal and competitive capabilities."

Tillis reaffirmed the centrality of the NATO alliance, declaring it "the most important alliance in the history of mankind." He noted strong bipartisan support in Congress, the Article One branch, where "a large number" believe in its vital role. Speaking from Munich, he committed to reminding attendees of America's "three coequal branches of government."

While critiquing underinvestment by allies, Tillis defended the current administration's push for greater European contributions. "The president is trying to get our NATO allies to perform more strongly and have some level of independence," he stated, assuring that "the Congress has their back."

The senator's comments come amid ongoing debates over U.S. reliability as a partner to Europe, particularly in light of support for Ukraine and broader NATO obligations. Tillis called for a comprehensive view, stressing that the historical spending gap explains "the reason why we are where we are."