US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday announced a six-month review of American troop deployments in Europe and threatened to withhold NATO dues if “free-riding” allies fail to meet defense spending targets.
Speaking to defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth said the review would involve consultations with the US Congress, which mandates minimum American force levels on the continent.
While stopping short of explicitly threatening troop pullouts, he emphasized that the goal is to force Europe to take “primary responsibility” for its own defense so the US can meet its global commitments.
“Make no mistake about it, this will be a real review,” Hegseth said, calling for a “NATO 3.0” that operates as a “hardline military alliance.”
The Pentagon chief also blasted allies that denied the US basing and overflight rights during its war with Iran, warning that the review would ensure such access is guaranteed in the future.
The tense meetings come just weeks before a July 7-8 NATO summit in Ankara, as allies scramble to fill gaps after Washington abruptly slashed its contributions to the alliance’s crisis forces last month.
NATO’s top commander, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, said the reduction is aimed at ending an “unhealthy co-dependence” as Washington prepares for the potential of simultaneous conflicts in multiple theaters.
