Riga – Latvian lawmakers largely credit the first year of Donald Trump‘s second presidency with bolstering the nation’s security, despite concerns over the former president’s often-unconventional diplomatic style.The assessment, gathered from interviews with members of the Saeima – Latvia‘s parliament – reveals a widespread belief that Trump’s policies, and the reaction they provoked in Europe, have spurred crucial increases in defense spending and a renewed focus on self-reliance within NATO. The lawmakers’ comments come amid ongoing security concerns stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine and growing debate over the future of transatlantic defense commitments.
Edmunds Jurēvics of the “Jaunā Vienotība” party, representing the parliamentary cooperation group with the U.S., stated that “practical decisions regarding Latvia’s security in America have been made positively, including congressional support for funding Latvia’s security.”
“Positively, the United States has also recognized that Latvia, the Baltic states, and Poland are true allies and a model, as we have been able to invest five percent of our gross domestic product (GDP) in our defense,” Jurēvics added.
Ināra Mūrniece, chairwoman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee (Nacionālā apvienība), noted “there have been some good signals. For example, the U.S. Congress has allocated additional funding for Baltic defense through the Baltic Security Initiative. This year, that amount is 175 million.”
“Where there is security cooperation, relations are good. Additionally, we are anticipating large procurements from the U.S., and those are also moving forward,” Mūrniece stated.
Linda Liepiņa, representing the parliamentary cooperation group with the U.S. (“Latvija pirmajā vietā”), said that “one may like or dislike what Donald Trump says, and the tone he may use.” However, she also pointed out that Europe has increased its defense funding.
Harijs Rokpelnis, chairman of the Green and Farmers’ Union faction in the Saeima, said: “The question, of course, is how to achieve this goal of strengthening security, but this story about the increase in defense spending by NATO countries also demonstrates that.”
“It seems that nothing happens with just talk, and while we may not like the methods used, the result is ultimately beneficial for all of us,” Rokpelnis emphasized.
Edgars Tavars (“Apvienotais saraksts”), representing the parliamentary cooperation group with the U.S., said that many insights during Trump’s second term as president have resulted in improvements to the country’s security.
“It is undoubtedly a good thing that we are mobilizing. All of Europe is currently mobilizing.
We are no longer operating under the assumption that we are protected by an army funded by U.S. citizens. Now, it is clear that we must take care of our own security and develop a clear, firm foreign policy,” Tavars explained.
Antoņina Ņenaševa (“Progresīvie”), representing the parliamentary cooperation group with the U.S., said that there have been many challenges, but “we have completed many of our tasks, in my opinion, and are continuing to do so, strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Trump administration. We have also been clarifying why NATO is important, why sanctions against Russia are important, and why continued support for Ukraine is important.”
Svetlana Čulkova, Saeima deputy and chairwoman of the “Stabilitātei” faction, expressed her pleasure that “Donald Trump was elected as U.S. president.”
“Trump has done one very important thing. He has shown that strength resolves everything in the world today, and that is what he is doing now. Europe is unable to simply agree when they try to hold meetings,” Čulkova said.
Regarding future relations, most of the deputies surveyed emphasized the need to strengthen ties, while continuing close cooperation with allies in Europe, especially with neighboring Nordic countries.
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Latvian lawmakers largely view the first year of Donald Trump’s second presidency as positive for the nation’s security interests, despite acknowledging a sometimes-turbulent approach to international relations. The assessment comes as European nations increasingly focus on bolstering their own defense capabilities.
Members of the Latvian parliament, the Saeima, offered a largely favorable assessment of the past year under President Trump, citing increased U.S. support for Baltic security and a renewed emphasis on allied defense spending. The comments reflect a growing sense of urgency regarding regional security, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“Practical decisions regarding Latvia’s security in America have been made positively, including congressional support for funding Latvia’s security,” said Edmunds Jurēvics, representing the parliamentary cooperation group with the U.S. He also highlighted the U.S. recognition of Latvia, the Baltic states, and Poland as reliable allies, noting their commitment to investing five percent of their GDP in defense.
Chairwoman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, Ināra Mūrniece, pointed to increased financial assistance from the U.S. Congress. “The U.S. Congress has allocated additional funding for Baltic defense through the Baltic Security Initiative. This year, that amount is 175 million,” she said. She also noted ongoing arms procurements from the United States.
While acknowledging Trump’s sometimes unconventional style, lawmakers emphasized the tangible benefits of the relationship. Linda Liepiņa stated, “One may like or dislike what Donald Trump says, and the tone he may use,” but also noted that Europe has increased its defense funding.
Several deputies underscored the importance of increased defense spending across NATO. Harijs Rokpelnis observed, “It seems that nothing happens with just talk, and while we may not like the methods used, the result is ultimately beneficial for all of us.”
The shift towards greater self-reliance in defense was also a recurring theme. Edgar Tavars stated, “It is undoubtedly a good thing that we are mobilizing. All of Europe is currently mobilizing. We are no longer operating under the assumption that we are protected by an army funded by U.S. citizens. Now, it is clear that we must take care of our own security and develop a clear, firm foreign policy.”
Even those who acknowledged challenges in the relationship expressed a commitment to continued cooperation. Antoņina Ņenaševa noted that Latvia has “completed many of our tasks…strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Trump administration” and working to clarify the importance of NATO and sanctions against Russia.
Svetlana Čulkova expressed direct support for Trump’s approach, stating, “Trump has shown that strength resolves everything in the world today.”
Looking ahead, lawmakers emphasized the need to strengthen ties with the U.S. while also fostering closer cooperation with European allies, particularly in the Nordic region. The development underscores the growing importance of transatlantic security cooperation in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
