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Trump administration highlights NATO allies' progress in defense spending pledge
By Haley Bull at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 14, 2026
· 6 min read
The Trump administration is touting NATO allies progress in defense spending following the leaders summit in Ankara, as allies look to boost support for Ukraine, and the US resumes attacks against Iran.Its a process and we need to make sure that this first year of success continues now as our all...
Key takeaway It's a win for the United States and the taxpayers that have spent way too much money, Whitaker said.
Why this matters in The Waco
As Waco residents consider the implications of the Trump administration's efforts to shift the defense burden to Europe, they may wonder how this affects local interests. With a significant military presence in the region, including the Texas Army National Guard's 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Waco's economy is closely tied to defense spending. If European countries increase their defense expenditures, it could potentially lead to a reduction in US military spending, which might impact local businesses and jobs. Additionally, the administration's focus on supporting Ukraine's defense industry could create opportunities for Texas-based defense contractors, given the state's established aerospace and defense sector. As the situation unfolds, Wacoans should keep an eye on how these developments affect local economic development and the community's ties to the military. The potential for new partnerships or investments in the region's defense industry could have significant implications for Waco's economy and its role in the global defense landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Trump administration is touting NATO allies progress in defense spending following the leaders summit in Ankara, as allies look to boost support for Ukraine, and the US resumes attacks against Iran.Its a process and we need to make sure that this first year of success continues now as our all...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Haley Bull at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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