Trump Demands Europe 'Pay Back' Billions for Ukraine Aid — Blames Biden for 'Crazy' Spending

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will demand European nations repay the military aid and ammunition provided to Ukraine under the Biden administration, characterizing his predecessor's spending as "crazy" and "free of charge." The demand comes amid Trump's fury over European allies' refusal to join the U.S. war against Iran and his commitment to halting new American military aid to Kyiv.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Thursday declared he will ask European countries to reimburse the United States for military aid given to Ukraine during the Biden administration, escalating his long-running campaign to shift the financial burden of supporting Kyiv onto European allies .

"Hundreds of Billions of Dollars was given to Ukraine and NATO, free of charge, that Europe would have paid for — If they were only asked, but we will be asking for that money, though somewhat belatedly!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform . The statement came amid reports of depleted U.S. ammunition stockpiles from the Iran war, which Trump denied .

Trump's Attack on Biden's Ukraine Policy

Trump has repeatedly attacked Biden's handling of Ukraine aid, framing it as reckless and financially irresponsible. "Biden came in like a fool, and he gave a lot of what we had to Ukraine. $350 billion they spent. We don’t do that. Everyone has to pay," Trump told journalists at the White House .

He also accused Biden of failing to secure any financial compensation from Europe for the aid, despite significant military inventory being transferred. "The European Union pays us, but Biden didn’t get money; he got nothing. He gave a lot of the inventory away," Trump said . The president has also argued that Biden's "crazy" spending is one reason the war in Ukraine continues .

However, independent analysts and official U.S. government data have repeatedly disputed Trump's $350 billion figure, finding it to be significantly inflated .

The Demand Comes Amid Broader Tensions

The demand for repayment arrives as European allies have refused to join the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, sparking Trump's fury and threats to reduce U.S. troop presence in Europe . Since Trump returned to office in January 2025, U.S. aid to Ukraine has effectively ground to a halt, with no new laws or authorizations for significant support passed . The White House has since called Biden's weapons transfers "deplorable" .

Trump has also previously claimed the U.S. would get its money back from Ukraine through a deal granting Washington access to 50% of Ukraine's revenues from critical natural resources . He did not specify which European countries he believes should repay the U.S. .

The Bottom Line

For now, the demand for repayment from Europe adds another layer of tension in the transatlantic relationship, as Trump's administration continues to distance itself from the financial burden of supporting Ukraine — while blaming his predecessor for the costs.