Hillary Clinton Expresses Optimism Over Trump’s Recent NATO and Ukraine Moves

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently expressed cautious optimism regarding former President Donald Trump’s latest efforts with NATO and Ukraine. Speaking on the Raging Moderates podcast last Friday, Clinton acknowledged that some of Trump’s recent actions suggest an improved relationship with America’s European allies, as well as a more unified approach to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In June, NATO members agreed to a significant increase in defense spending, raising their commitments from the traditional 2% of GDP to an ambitious 5% by the year 2035. This move reportedly followed mounting pressure from Trump, who has long criticized NATO countries for not contributing their fair share toward the alliance’s collective defense.

The following month, Trump announced that NATO had agreed to cover the cost of U.S. military equipment sent to Ukraine, including advanced weapons systems such as Patriot missile batteries. Speaking to NBC News on July 10, Trump stated that the arrangement was solidified during the NATO summit held in The Hague, Netherlands.

These developments, according to Clinton, are promising signs of increasing cooperation between the U.S. and its allies — a sharp contrast to what she described as the “dismissiveness” that marked much of Trump’s first term in office.

“I was honestly encouraged by what we’ve seen over the last few months,” Clinton said during the podcast. “The decision by NATO members to raise defense spending is a welcome change — something that administrations before Trump have tried to secure. These commitments are an important step forward, and I hope they are followed through.”

Clinton went on to highlight the NATO-wide decision to purchase American-made weapons as part of ongoing military aid to Ukraine.

“This kind of coordination reflects a growing consensus among Western nations. It shows that there’s a stronger recognition — both within the Trump team and among our European allies — that we need common ground to defend transatlantic security and support Ukraine.”

Clinton, who served as Secretary of State under President Obama, stressed that the nature of these commitments and the political tone surrounding them seem more constructive than during Trump’s previous administration. She characterized the current dynamic as a “more obvious working relationship” that could lead to tangible progress on the world stage.

Her remarks came just ahead of a high-profile meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, set to take place in Alaska. During the podcast, the host asked Clinton what her approach would be if she were in Trump’s position, or whether she would have agreed to meet with Putin at all.

Clinton replied that she likely would not have chosen to meet with Putin under the current conditions, but given that the meeting was happening, she hoped for a constructive outcome.

“If the president can achieve a ceasefire without forcing Ukraine to give up its territory or to acknowledge Putin’s imperialist vision of a greater Russia, that would be a significant accomplishment,” she said. “What’s important is that any resolution protects Ukrainian sovereignty and doesn’t reward aggression.”

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who assumed the role earlier this year, also credited Trump with playing a pivotal role in reshaping NATO’s defense strategy. Speaking on The Interview, a podcast hosted by The New York Times, Rutte openly praised Trump for his leadership.

“When someone earns recognition, that recognition should be given,” Rutte said. “And President Trump has earned it. Without his leadership and without his re-election, I don’t believe the 2% target this year or the 5% by 2035 would have ever been agreed upon.”

At the June summit, Rutte reportedly went so far as to jokingly refer to Trump as “daddy,” a moment that has since gone viral on social media.

Back on Air Force One, en route to Alaska for the Putin meeting, Trump was informed of Clinton’s remarks by Fox News anchor Bret Baier. When asked for a reaction, Trump responded with a grin, saying, “That’s very nice. I might have to start liking her again.”

As tensions remain high in Eastern Europe and diplomacy becomes increasingly complex, both parties appear to be acknowledging progress where it’s due. While Clinton remains skeptical of many aspects of Trump’s foreign policy history, her recent remarks suggest she sees signs of potential for a more coordinated Western strategy — especially regarding Ukraine and NATO defense.