Fact Check: Biden claimed he strengthened NATO, which was in shambles when he took office.

Fact Check: "Biden claimed he strengthened NATO, which was in shambles when he took office."

What We Know

President Joe Biden has made several statements regarding the state of NATO during his presidency, particularly emphasizing its strength and unity. In a speech marking NATO's 75th anniversary, Biden stated that NATO is "stronger than it's ever been in its history," highlighting the addition of Finland and Sweden to the alliance and increased defense spending among member countries (Defense.gov). He noted that 23 NATO allies now meet the defense spending benchmark of 2% of GDP, a significant increase from previous years (Defense.gov).

Before Biden took office, NATO faced challenges, including tensions with Russia and varying levels of commitment from member states. The previous administration under Donald Trump was marked by criticism of NATO and calls for member countries to increase their defense spending, which some analysts argue created uncertainty about the U.S. commitment to the alliance (AP News, New York Times). However, Biden's administration has sought to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to NATO, emphasizing collective security and cooperation (White House).

Analysis

Biden's claim that he strengthened NATO can be evaluated through several lenses:

Increased Defense Spending: Biden pointed out that more NATO allies are now meeting the 2% GDP defense spending target. This is a notable shift, as only a handful of countries met this benchmark prior to his presidency (Defense.gov). However, it is essential to consider that this increase began before Biden took office, as many nations were already under pressure to boost their military budgets due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia.
Unity and Commitment: Biden has consistently emphasized the importance of unity within NATO. His administration has worked to restore confidence among allies, which some argue had been shaken during the Trump administration (Washington Post, New York Times). This renewed focus on collective defense and cooperation is a critical aspect of Biden's approach, suggesting a strengthening of NATO's political cohesion.
Context of "Shambles": The characterization of NATO as being in "shambles" when Biden took office is somewhat subjective. While there were indeed significant challenges, including differing priorities among member states and the rise of isolationist sentiments in U.S. politics, NATO as an organization was still operational and engaged in various missions. The perception of NATO's strength or weakness can vary based on political perspectives and the specific metrics used to evaluate its effectiveness.
Source Reliability: The sources cited in this analysis include official statements from the Biden administration, reputable news outlets, and NATO itself. These sources generally have a high level of credibility, though it's important to note that political statements can be influenced by the current administration's agenda (Washington Examiner, NATO).

Conclusion

The claim that Biden strengthened NATO, which was in shambles when he took office, is Partially True. While Biden has indeed taken steps to reinforce NATO's unity and increase defense spending among member states, the characterization of NATO as being in "shambles" is subjective and overlooks the ongoing operations and commitments that existed prior to his presidency. The increased spending and political cohesion observed during Biden's term can be seen as a response to pre-existing challenges rather than a complete overhaul of a dysfunctional alliance.

Fact Check: Biden claimed he strengthened NATO, which was in shambles when he took office.