John Healey said he regards the comments from US officials as a 'challenge' and that Britain is 'leading the way' in boosting defence spending.
The UK Defence Secretary acknowledged that Trump's team "absolutely got a case" in calling European nations "pathetic freeloaders" regarding defense spending. Leaked messages revealed Trump officials lamenting having to "bail out Europe" and criticizing European contributions to Ukraine aid. Trump supports this sentiment. The UK is increasing defense spending and views the US comments as a "challenge."
