Donald Trump could demand Nato allies increase defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, more than doubling the current target.

The president-elect’s team told European officials they will be expected to increase military budgets after he takes office on Jan 20, as he passes the burden of the war in Ukraine on to Europe.

Only 23 of the 32 Nato members meet the alliance’s spending target of 2 per cent, including the UK.

During his presidential campaign, Mr Trump repeatedly accused allies of freeloading on US defence spending. His allies have described the war in Ukraine as a European problem, and called for the US to focus on the threat of China in the Pacific.