Hegseth Announces 'NATO 3.0' Review of US Force Posture in Europe
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new six-month military review of the U.S. European posture during the opening and public portion of Thursday’s NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels.
TL;DR
- U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month military review of U.S. forces in Europe, called 'NATO 3.0'.
- The review aims to reduce U.S. forces and expects European countries to fill the resulting gaps.
- The Trump administration has consistently advocated for Europe to reduce its reliance on the U.S. military and increase its own defense contributions.
- Hegseth cited a lack of European support during the U.S. and Israel's war in Iran as evidence of a 'one-way street' alliance.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged a reduction in U.S. contributions to NATO crisis forces but stated that allies would commit fully in case of war.
- The review precedes the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, where defense spending and contributions are expected to be key discussion points.
- President Trump has pushed for NATO allies to increase defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP.
- In 2025, NATO allies in Europe and Canada increased defense spending by 20% compared to the previous year, totaling a $90 billion increase.