Hegseth announces review of US forces in Europe, criticizes NATO spending
10 reported
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of American military presence across Europe during a closed-door address to NATO defense ministers in Brussels. Hegseth accused some NATO countries of "free riding" and criticized others for not allowing US jets to use their airbases during spring bombing missions against Iran. The Pentagon briefed the remarks to the press as part of an effort to pressure European allies to increase defense budgets. Hegseth stated that future US NATO dues would depend on other countries meeting their defense spending targets, saying NATO must become "a two-way street." The Trump administration wants NATO members to lead in defending Europe against Russia and to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, a target all members except Spain signed onto at last year's summit in The Hague. Hegseth implied US forces could be withdrawn from lower-spending nations, with cuts under consideration including redeployment of a third of 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Hegseth was trying "to keep the pressure on" and expressed support for the outspoken remarks.
What’s reported
Pete Hegseth announced a review of US military presence across Europe at a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels.
Hegseth accused some NATO countries of "free riding" and criticized others for not allowing US jets to use their airbases during spring bombing missions against Iran.
The Pentagon briefed the remarks to the press.
Hegseth said future US NATO dues would be contingent on other countries meeting defense spending targets.
The Trump administration wants NATO members to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
All NATO members except Spain signed onto the 3.5% target at last year's summit in The Hague.
Cuts under consideration include redeployment of a third of 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO.
UK Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis attended the meeting; his predecessor John Healey resigned after Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to spending nearly 2.7% of GDP by 2030.
The UK announced it would spend £750m equipping Ukraine with drones and air defense missiles, funded by loans secured against Russian central bank assets.
Hegseth complained that most European nations did not permit US air force to fly over their territory or use their bases for bombing or refueling during Iran strikes.
Key figures
Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary
Dan Jarvis, UK defense secretary
Mark Rutte, NATO secretary general
John Healey, former UK defense secretary
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister
Donald Trump, US president
Sources: The Guardian
