Hillary Clinton Acknowledges Trump’s Role in NATO Progress, Ukraine Defense Support

In a surprising turn, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered rare praise for former President Donald Trump during an appearance on the Raging Moderates podcast. Clinton pointed to recent NATO developments and arms support for Ukraine as encouraging signs of cooperation between the United States and its European allies.

Clinton, a longtime critic of Trump, said she was “genuinely heartened” by steps taken in recent months under Trump’s leadership that reflect a renewed sense of unity within NATO and stronger transatlantic security commitments.

NATO Nations Increase Defense Spending

In June, NATO members reached a landmark agreement to gradually increase their defense spending from 2% of their GDP to 5% by the year 2035—a goal pushed heavily by Trump. The former president has long criticized NATO allies for not contributing enough to collective defense, and his persistence appears to have yielded results.

Clinton recognized this shift as a major development, aligning with goals that multiple administrations, including her own tenure in the Obama administration, had tried to achieve.

“I was encouraged by the recent developments,” Clinton stated. “The commitment by NATO countries to raise their defense budgets is long overdue. Prior presidents have worked toward this, and it’s promising to finally see concrete pledges being made.”

U.S. Arms Deal for Ukraine Backed by NATO

Another key point of discussion was Trump’s July announcement that NATO had agreed to help cover the cost of U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine. Speaking in an NBC News interview, Trump confirmed that NATO had committed to funding shipments of U.S.-made Patriot missile systems and other military hardware destined for Ukraine.

Clinton viewed this arrangement as another sign of growing consensus among Western allies to support Ukraine’s defense without placing the financial burden solely on the U.S.

“The willingness of NATO partners to step up not only politically but also financially is significant,” she said. “The fact that American weapons are being purchased and provided to Ukraine with NATO assistance shows a maturing alliance—and a strategic recognition of shared responsibility.”

Shift in Tone from Trump Administration

Clinton also noted a shift in the tone and approach from Trump’s team compared to his first term, during which he often criticized NATO and clashed with European leaders.

“There seems to be a more constructive relationship now,” she said. “We’re seeing a more coordinated effort that benefits European and transatlantic security, and by extension, Ukrainian sovereignty. It’s a welcome change from the more confrontational stance we saw previously.”

Clinton stopped short of giving Trump blanket approval, but said the current trajectory appeared far more diplomatic and strategic.

Anticipating Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska

The podcast, recorded just before Trump’s scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, also explored Clinton’s perspective on the possible outcomes of the high-stakes summit.

Asked whether she would attend such a meeting if she were in Trump’s position, Clinton replied that she personally wouldn’t have agreed to it—but expressed hope that the talks could lead to progress.

“If there’s a way to secure peace without forcing Ukraine to give up its territory or legitimize Putin’s vision of an expanded Russia, that would be the best-case scenario,” she said. “A ceasefire that holds and a show of strength from the U.S. and its allies would send a clear message to the Kremlin.”

NATO Chief and Trump’s Growing Influence

Trump’s efforts have also been acknowledged internationally. At the NATO summit held in The Hague, Secretary General Mark Rutte credited Trump’s influence in securing the defense spending deal. In a July appearance on The Interview, a podcast by The New York Times, Rutte praised Trump’s leadership and even joked by calling him “daddy,” suggesting a commanding presence at the negotiation table.

“Credit where credit is due,” Rutte said. “President Trump’s pressure and leadership brought us to this point. Without his push, we wouldn’t have made the progress we did on defense spending.”

Trump Responds to Clinton’s Comments

When asked about Clinton’s unexpected remarks aboard Air Force One, Trump offered a characteristically candid response.

“That’s very nice,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier. “I might have to start liking her again.”

The comment was delivered with a chuckle, but marked a rare moment of mutual respect between two of the most prominent political rivals in recent U.S. history.

As Trump prepares for his meeting with Putin, and with NATO evolving in ways both sides seem to approve of, even unlikely voices like Clinton’s suggest a shifting political landscape—one where bipartisan recognition of success, however rare, may be emerging.