Bill Maher gives Trump 'absolutely' full credit for pushing NATO to increase defense spending

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On the broadcast of HBO’s 'Real Time with Bill Maher' aired on Saturday, February 14, political commentator Bill Maher addressed President Donald Trump’s role in pressuring North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to increase their defense spending. 

The brief segment featured Maher responding to comments from fellow panelists about Trump’s broader foreign policy impact on the world and NATO, particularly in relation to urging allied nations to contribute more toward collective defense spending.

Bill Maher’s commentary on Trump and NATO

During the Real Time segment, Maher weighed in on how Trump has dealt with NATO, the discussion was initiated by host Stephanie Ruhle, who referenced criticisms of Trump’s approach, including his handling of Canada.

Despite those criticisms, Ruhle insisted that credit should be given where it’s due regarding Trump and NATO spending. Ruhle then told Maher, “But also, you should credit the President. The President did shake the tree, he did shake the tree when it came to our NATO allies and said, pony up more money, and you have to give him credit for that." 

Maher responded, "Right. I do. Absolutely” by acknowledging the point.

Previously, Maher has acknowledged and credited Trump for his foreign policy actions, particularly his efforts aimed at ending conflicts around the world. Speaking on his show in October 2025, the late-night host said he was giving credit “where credit is due,” congratulating Trump on brokering the Gaza peace deal.

Addressing his audience, Maher acknowledged that Trump achieved something many believed might have been impossible. “I think you’ve gotta give credit where credit is due. I mean, a lot of people tried to pull this off. He did,” Maher said.

“After two years, the Palestinians are returning to Palestine, the hostages are coming back to Israel, and everyone’s blown away that Trump pulled it off,” He continued.

Trump pressures NATO over defense spending

The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers have consistently argued that several NATO allies are not paying their fair share toward the alliance’s defense obligations, leaving nations such as the United States to bear most of the financial burden.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, February 14, US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker emphasized the importance of having “strong allies, not dependents” when addressing a question about NATO defense spending contributions.

“But I think ultimately they’re going to realize, like all allies realized a year ago, that you’re going to have to be stronger, you’re going to have to invest in capabilities and you’re going to have to train more with NATO allies to make sure were interoperable and we can fight as one,” he continued.

Trump has also previously emphasized that NATO allies should commit to defense spending equal to 5% of each member state’s gross domestic product, stating that such a move would add “more than $1 trillion a year” to collective defense.

While speaking to reporters at an alliance summit in The Hague last year, Trump said, “In a very historic milestone this week, the NATO allies committed to dramatically increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, something that no one really thought possible.”