Defense Secretary Hegseth Says Some NATO Allies Will Fail, Orders Review of U.S. Forces in Europe

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said some NATO allies will fail to meet their commitments and announced a comprehensive review of U.S. military forces stationed in Europe.

Hegseth made the comments as the Pentagon scales back its participation in NATO's high-readiness force, a rapid-response unit designed to deploy quickly across the alliance's territory.

The defense secretary did not identify which countries he believes will fall short of their obligations. NATO members committed in 2006 to spending at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense, though many nations historically spent less.

Hegseth ordered a review examining how the U.S. positions its military personnel and equipment across Europe. The scope of the review encompasses U.S. troop levels, operational readiness and force deployment strategy, according to Pentagon officials.

The review represents one of the incoming administration's first steps to reassess American military commitments abroad. Hegseth has signaled the Pentagon will pursue what he calls a more selective approach to international military engagement.

The high-readiness force that the U.S. is reducing support for operates across NATO's eastern flank, an area that has drawn increased military investment since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. NATO members have relied on rotating units from multiple countries to staff the force, which maintains combat capability for deployment within days.

U.S. contributions to the force have included troops, aircraft and support personnel. The Pentagon reduced funding and personnel levels for these deployments as part of a broader strategic review announced this month.

NATO officials declined to comment on the Pentagon's decision to scale back, saying such matters remain between individual member nations and the alliance. A NATO spokesperson said members continue to strengthen collective defense capabilities.

The announcement marks a significant shift in Pentagon priorities. Under the previous administration, the U.S. increased military spending in Europe and expanded the number of permanent bases and stationed forces.

Hegseth has made clear that the Trump administration intends to recalibrate defense spending and military posture. He has criticized what he describes as excessive military commitments that drain resources without clear strategic benefit.

The review will take several months and will examine operational requirements, cost efficiency and strategic necessity for each deployment. Pentagon planners will present options for force reductions, redeployments and budget reallocations.

European NATO members have expressed concern about potential reductions in U.S. military support. Several countries increased defense spending over the past two years in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and some have accelerated military modernization programs.

The timing of the review comes as NATO members prepare for their February ministerial meeting, where defense leaders typically discuss force posture and strategic priorities.