In a significant development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has defended his country's defense spending in relation to NATO, following renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump. This exchange comes just before the scheduled meeting of NATO leaders in Ankara next week. Trump, known for his persistent critiques of defense spending by alliance members, recently referred to the current spending as "ridiculous" and "one-sided." In response to this, Merz announced that Germany aims to double its defense budget within four years, stating that this is the greatest effort ever made to strengthen German defense capabilities. As Europe's largest member state, Merz asserted that Germany has no reason to shy away from anyone in this regard. The US-Europe relationship has faced strain during Trump's terms, with tensions escalating over various issues such as the proposed takeover of Greenland and the US-Israeli war in Iran, which was launched without consulting European allies. Despite these strained relations, several European leaders have attempted to maintain a more conciliatory approach towards Trump this term. In 2014, NATO leaders agreed, at the US's behest, to spend 3.5 percent of their countries' GDP on core defense items by 2035, an increase from the previous goal set by the bloc of 2 percent of its GDP. However, relations have since deteriorated over several issues, including Trump's pledge to withdraw 5,000 troops currently stationed in Germany, a move Merz criticized as humiliating. Despite these challenges, Merz expressed optimism that Germany would reach the 3.5 percent benchmark set in The Hague as early as 2029, well ahead of the agreed deadline.