Hegseth launches Pentagon review of NATO allies as defense chief signals shift in approach

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launched a Pentagon review of NATO allies' military capabilities and defense spending, signaling a shift in how the U.S. military establishment evaluates allied performance.

Hegseth directed the review in recent weeks, instructing the Pentagon to assess which NATO members meet defense spending targets and contribute adequately to collective security. His public criticism of allied nations centered on their military readiness and financial commitments to the alliance.

The defense chief's concerns, however, mirror assessments that European governments have acknowledged for years. NATO members have faced recurring pressure to increase defense budgets, and many have moved toward higher spending levels in recent years. Germany, France, Poland and other European nations have expanded military budgets and increased troop deployments, steps aligned with the spending goals Hegseth emphasized.

Hegseth's review represents a continuation of longstanding U.S. pressure on allies rather than a departure from established policy. President Donald Trump campaigned on demanding higher spending commitments from NATO members, and Hegseth's directive aligns with that framework.

The Pentagon review seeks to measure allied contributions across multiple dimensions, from financial commitments to military readiness to participation in joint operations. Officials said the assessment would inform future decisions about U.S. military positioning and support for Europe.

European officials have indicated they view increased spending and military cooperation as necessary responses to Russia's military activities near NATO borders. Several alliance members have expanded defense budgets to 2 percent or higher of gross domestic product, meeting NATO's target for military spending. Others have committed to reaching that threshold in coming years.

Hegseth's public criticism highlighted gaps between NATO's stated goals and some members' spending levels. Some smaller alliance members have not reached the 2 percent target, and Hegseth identified this gap as an area requiring attention.

The defense secretary's approach reflects a more confrontational tone toward allies than his predecessors employed in recent years, though the underlying concerns about allied spending predate his tenure. NATO leadership has acknowledged for more than a decade that spending imbalances exist and that some members rely more heavily on U.S. military protection than others.

Hegseth has not specified a timeline for the Pentagon review or indicated what actions might follow its completion. Pentagon officials said the assessment would be comprehensive and cover all NATO members.