Trump urges NATO allies to spend more on defense

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is calling on NATO allies to increase their defense spending. Trump had a joint news conference today with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Trump's pressing European nations to spend at least two percent of their GDP on defense – as he has urged since his campaign.

Trump also complains the World Trade Organization has treated the U.S. poorly. He calls for "fair and reciprocal trade relationships with our friends and allies."

Merkel says Germany will continue to be a reliable partner within the NATO alliance.

Germany's latest budget will take defense spending to 1.3 percent of GDP. Merkel acknowledges that's far short of the 2 percent goal but says Germany is still aiming for that over time.