US Defense Secretary Hegseth Presses NATO Allies on Defense Spending and Force Reductions
At a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a six-month strategic review of American forces in Europe, warning allies that some will "fail" the review. He urged European members to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP under the "NATO 3.0" framework, as the US reduces its guaranteed forces for NATO's crisis response. Germany pledged $400 million in Ukraine aid. The meeting highlighted transatlantic tensions over burden-sharing and prepared for the July NATO summit in Ankara.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Warns European NATO Allies on Military Spending
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has escalated pressure on European NATO allies by warning that Washington will review its military presence on the continent. In a statement reported by the Wall Street Journal, Hegseth said that the level of U.S. contributions to the NATO alliance budget would be contingent on increased military spending by European member states. This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, tying America's financial and troop commitments directly to Europe's defense investments. The move is likely to spark debate within NATO about burden-sharing and the future of transatlantic security relations.
WSJ.com: PoliticsHegseth Announces Review of U.S. Forces in Europe, Blasts NATO Allies
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a comprehensive review of American military forces stationed in Europe, while sharply criticizing NATO allies for what he called a 'shameful' response to U.S. military operations in Iran. Hegseth accused several European allies of failing to meet their defense spending commitments and not providing adequate support for U.S.-led operations. The review is expected to lead to significant troop reductions across the continent, potentially reshaping the U.S. military posture in Europe. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sought to downplay the potential impact of the cutbacks, stating that the alliance remains strong and that the U.S. commitment to European security is enduring. However, the U.S. top commander in Europe has begun making contingency plans for a reduced American presence. The announcement has sparked concern among European allies about the future of transatlantic security cooperation and the credibility of NATO's collective defense guarantees.
Top stories - Google NewsHegseth blasts NATO allies, says U.S. will review forces in Europe
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO defense ministers on June 18, 2026, that the Pentagon will conduct a six-month review of its force presence in Europe, warning that some countries will 'fail' the assessment. Hegseth criticized European allies for imposing restrictions on U.S. forces during the Iran war, calling it 'shameful' and saying it put American troops at risk. He announced that U.S. contributions to NATO's organizational running costs—approximately $790 million in 2026—would be contingent on allies meeting defense spending targets. Hegseth emphasized that Europe must take 'primary responsibility' for its own conventional defense as the U.S. shifts focus toward China. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the review as 'prudent' and noted that Europe and Canada had spent $90 billion extra compared to 2024. The remarks come ahead of a NATO summit in Turkey, amid tensions over the Trump administration's Iran war and European defense commitments.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Hegseth Launches Review of US Military Presence in Europe, Taking Aim at ‘Free-Riding’ NATO Allies
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a sweeping review of American military posture in Europe during a NATO meeting on June 18. He warned allies that the US would cut funding to NATO's operating budget if they failed to meet defense spending commitments. The review, led by Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich (who also serves as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe), will take up to six months and has no predetermined outcome. Hegseth accused European allies of 'free-riding' on US defense spending and emphasized that NATO must become a 'two-way street.' The move faces pushback from US lawmakers, who inserted provisions in the 2027 NDAA requiring risk assessments before troop reductions. Recent US reductions include removing a brigade from Romania, halting a deployment to Poland, and cutting commitments to the NATO Force Model. NATO Secretary General Rutte acknowledged the US is lowering its contribution and said Europeans are 'backfilling' capabilities. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the rapid withdrawal as 'difficult and dangerous.'
Air & Space Forces MagazineHegseth Launches Sweeping Review of US Military Presence in Europe, Warns NATO Allies on Spending
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on June 18 that the US is conducting a sweeping review of its military presence in Europe, led by Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich. Hegseth warned NATO allies that the US would cut funding to the alliance's operating budget if they do not fulfill commitments to boost military spending, accusing European countries of 'free-riding' on US defense expenditures. The review, expected to take up to six months, will address core posture and basing in Europe with no predetermined outcome. The move comes amid congressional concerns over troop cuts and ongoing Russian threats. The US has already removed a brigade from Romania, halted a deployment to Poland, and reduced assets committed to NATO in a conflict. NATO Secretary General Rutte confirmed the US is lowering its contribution and that Europeans are backfilling. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the rapid withdrawal without a transition period.
Air & Space Forces MagazineHegseth Launches Review of US Military Presence in Europe, Warns NATO Allies on Spending
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a sweeping review of the American military presence in Europe, led by Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US European Command and NATO's top military officer. Hegseth warned NATO allies that the US would cut its funding to the alliance's operating budget if they fail to meet defense spending commitments. The review, expected to take up to six months, aims to ensure Europe takes primary responsibility for conventional defense while the US focuses on nuclear deterrence and global needs. Hegseth accused several European countries of 'free riding' on US military spending. The announcement comes amid tensions over US troop reductions in Europe and a shift of resources to the Pacific. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the US is lowering its contribution but expressed confidence in the alliance's collective defense under Article V.
Air & Space Forces MagazineU.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth Criticizes NATO Allies, Announces Review of U.S. Forces in Europe
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a rare and brief visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels, announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe, warning that some allies might fail the assessment. He criticized European allies for focusing on gender equity and climate change instead of defense, and for denying U.S. forces access to bases for operations against Iran. Hegseth left the meeting early, before Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's appeal for more weapons. The review comes amid conflicting signals from the Trump administration about the U.S. military footprint in Europe and threats to annex Greenland. NATO allies have increased defense spending by 20% in 2024, but the U.S. is scaling back its commitment under Article 5. The U.S. confirmed it will maintain its nuclear weapons in Europe, with NATO's Nuclear Planning Group issuing its first statement in 19 years to underscore deterrence.
Fortune | FORTUNEUS Announces Six-Month Strategic Review of American Military Presence in Europe
On June 18, 2026, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a six-month strategic review of the American military presence in Europe during a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels. The review, conducted by the Department of War with input from US European Command, Congress, and allies, is part of the 'NATO 3.0' concept aimed at shifting primary responsibility for European defense to European nations. Hegseth stated the goal is to ensure NATO moves 'rapidly and irreversibly toward European leadership,' with Europe taking decisive action to secure US access, force posture, and overflight rights. He also called for NATO to return to a 'true, hard military alliance' with real deterrence capabilities.
Defence24.comUS Launches Six-Month Strategic Review of American Military Presence in Europe
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a six-month strategic review of the American military presence in Europe during a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels. The review, conducted by the Department of War with input from the US European Command, Congress, and allies, is part of the broader NATO 3.0 concept aimed at shifting primary responsibility for European defense to European nations. Hegseth emphasized that NATO must return to a 'hard military alliance' with real deterrence capabilities, and that Europe must take decisive action to secure US access, force posture, and overflight rights. The announcement signals a significant potential restructuring of US basing and troop deployments in Europe, reflecting ongoing US efforts to reshape the alliance toward greater European leadership in collective security.
Defence24.comUS Launches Six-Month Strategic Review of American Military Presence in Europe
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a six-month strategic review of the American military presence in Europe during a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels. The review, conducted by the Department of War with input from US European Command, Congress, and allies, is part of the 'NATO 3.0' concept aimed at shifting primary responsibility for European defense to European nations. Hegseth emphasized the need for Europe to take decisive action to secure US access, force posture, and overflight rights. He also stated that NATO must return to a 'hard military alliance' with real deterrence capabilities, underscoring a push for increased European leadership in collective security.
Defence24.comHegseth Announces Review of US Troops in Europe, Scolds Allies Over Spending and Iran Support
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of American troop deployments in Europe at NATO headquarters in Brussels, threatening to withhold U.S. contributions to NATO if allies fail to meet defense spending commitments. Hegseth criticized allies for not supporting the U.S. during its war with Iran, denying basing and overflight rights. The review aims to shift primary responsibility for European defense to the continent. NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed that reductions in U.S. contributions to NATO crisis forces are already in effect, prompting allies like Belgium to pledge additional capabilities. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned of dangerous capability gaps, particularly in deep strike missiles, and called for negotiated timelines for U.S. withdrawals. Specific cuts include a one-third reduction in F-15 fighter jets and halving MQ-4 and MQ-9 Reaper drones available to NATO.
Military TimesUS Defense Secretary Hegseth announces review of Europe troop presence, criticizes allies over spending
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of America's troop deployments in Europe at NATO headquarters in Brussels, threatening to withhold some U.S. dues to NATO if allies fail to meet defense spending commitments. Hegseth emphasized the need for Europe to take primary responsibility for its own defense, stating the review would ensure NATO moves irreversibly toward that goal. He also criticized allies who denied the U.S. basing and overflight rights during the war with Iran. The review comes as the U.S. has already reduced its contributions to NATO's crisis forces, with immediate effect. NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed the cuts are already in place, though he stressed the U.S. would fully commit in an actual war. Some allies, like Belgium, offered to fill gaps with F-16s and drones, while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned of dangerous capability gaps, particularly in deep strike missiles, and called for more time to compensate before U.S. withdrawals take effect.
Military TimesHegseth Announces Review of US Troops in Europe, Pressures Allies on Spending
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of American troop deployments in Europe at a NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels on June 18, 2026. He threatened to withhold U.S. dues to NATO if "free riding" allies fail to meet defense spending commitments. Hegseth stressed that Europe must take primary responsibility for its own defense and criticized allies who did not support the U.S. during its war with Iran. Separately, the U.S. has already reduced its contributions to NATO's crisis forces, cutting U.S. F-15 fighter jets by a third to 99 and MQ-4/MQ-9 Reaper drones by half to 12. NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed the cuts are immediate. Some allies, including Belgium, offered to fill gaps with F-16s and drones, while Germany warned of dangerous capability shortfalls, particularly in deep strike missiles. The moves aim to end European "unhealthy co-dependence" on U.S. forces as Washington faces potential multi-theater conflicts.
Defense NewsHegseth announces review of US troops in Europe, scorns some allies
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of U.S. troop deployments in Europe at a NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels, threatening to withhold dues from allies failing to meet defense spending commitments. He stressed Europe must take primary responsibility for its own defense and criticized nations that did not support U.S. operations in Iran. The U.S. has already reduced contributions to NATO crisis forces, including cuts to fighter jets, drones, and refueling aircraft. NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed the reductions are immediate. European allies, including Belgium and Germany, pledged to increase contributions but warned of dangerous capability gaps, particularly in deep strike missiles. The review aims to end 'unhealthy co-dependence' on U.S. forces as Washington faces potential multi-theater conflicts.
Defense NewsHegseth warns NATO allies that some nations will 'fail' U.S. defense review
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe, warning NATO allies that some countries will 'fail' while others will 'pass with flying colors.' Speaking to NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth criticized European allies for refusing to grant U.S. forces access to bases for strikes on Iran, calling the refusal 'shameful.' He reiterated the U.S. demand that allies spend at least 3.5% of GDP on defense, a threshold set in May 2026. The review aims to ensure NATO moves 'fast and irreversibly' toward taking primary responsibility for European defense. Hegseth's comments reflect growing tensions within the alliance, as former President Trump has threatened U.S. withdrawal over NATO's reluctance to assist with reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. remains the alliance's largest defense spender, with $845 billion in 2025, compared to $559 billion from all other NATO members combined.
US Top News and AnalysisHegseth lashes out at NATO allies and announces a review of U.S. forces in Europe
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sharply criticized NATO allies for insufficient defense spending and announced a comprehensive review of U.S. military forces stationed in Europe. The review is expected to assess the posture and readiness of American troops amid growing tensions with Russia and ongoing war in Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sought to downplay the significance of potential U.S. cutbacks, while the top U.S. commander in Europe began making contingency plans. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a stark warning to Russia, stating that if Ukraine burns, Moscow will burn too, following overnight strikes inside Russia. Analysts identify six NATO allies most at risk of facing backlash from the Trump administration over defense spending shortfalls. The developments signal a potential shift in transatlantic security dynamics and raise questions about the future of U.S. commitment to European defense.
Top stories - Google NewsHegseth Presses NATO Allies on Spending as US Ramps Up Defense Investment
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told NATO defense ministers that some allies must still increase defense spending, even as Washington plans a record $1.5 trillion investment for fiscal year 2027. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, both leaders hailed the arrival of 'NATO 3.0,' described as a harder-edged military alliance focused on deterrence and conventional defense of Europe. Rutte credited Hegseth's earlier push for increased spending, noting over $90 billion in additional European and Canadian defense outlays in 2025, a nearly 20% rise. Hegseth emphasized the need for allies to out-build China and Russia, while the US will commit fewer guaranteed forces to NATO's force model, asking European members and Canada to fill the gap. The meeting sets the stage for next month's NATO summit in Ankara, amid concerns over increasingly reckless Russian activity testing NATO airspace.
UK Defence JournalHegseth presses NATO allies as US ramps up defense spending
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told NATO defense ministers that some allies must still increase defense spending, even as Washington plans a record $1.5 trillion investment for fiscal year 2027. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, both leaders hailed the arrival of 'NATO 3.0,' described as a harder-edged military alliance focused on deterrence and conventional defense of Europe. Rutte credited Hegseth's earlier push for increased spending, noting over $90 billion in additional European and Canadian defense outlays in 2025, a nearly 20% rise. Hegseth emphasized the need for the alliance to out-build China and Russia in defense production. The meeting precedes next month's NATO summit in Ankara, where implementation of these commitments will be key. The US has also signaled it will commit fewer guaranteed forces to NATO's force model, asking European members and Canada to fill the gap amid heightened Russian provocations from the Baltic to the High North.
UK Defence JournalUS Defense Secretary Hegseth Urges European Allies to Increase Military Strength at NATO Meeting
At a NATO meeting in Brussels, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called on European alliance partners to assume greater responsibility and enhance their military capabilities under the banner of 'NATO 3.0.' The remarks, reported by German news outlet Die Welt, underscore ongoing US pressure on European members to increase defense spending and readiness amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. The meeting highlights transatlantic tensions over burden-sharing within the alliance, with the US pushing for a more robust European defense posture. The article, published on June 18, 2026, captures a key moment in NATO's evolving strategy as it adapts to new security challenges.
Nachrichten - WELTHegseth Warns NATO Allies Must Do More as US Reduces Forces; Germany Pledges $400 Million in Ukraine Aid
At a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called on European allies to increase defense spending and take more responsibility under the 'NATO 3.0' framework. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the reduction of US military contingents for NATO's crisis response forces is effective immediately, though he emphasized allies would fill gaps and stand together in emergencies. Hegseth stressed the need for allies to meet the 3.5% GDP defense spending target set at the 2025 Hague summit. In response, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced Germany would contribute $400 million for Ukraine: $200 million for air defense ammunition and $200 million for Patriot missile systems. Pistorius noted Ukrainian forces are successfully defending territory and recapturing ground, urging continued support. The meeting prepares for the July NATO summit in Ankara.
Nachrichten - WELT