**US Secretary of War Criticizes NATO and Announces Review of Military Presence in Europe**
Brussels, Belgium – In a pointed address at a NATO defense ministerial meeting, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressed strong dissatisfaction with the military cooperation among NATO allies, labeling the situation as "shameful." His remarks come amid a significant reassessment of the United States' military presence in Europe, particularly in light of recent tensions surrounding the US's military actions in the Middle East.
During the meeting, Hegseth announced a six-month review of America's military footprint in Europe, emphasizing that future deployments, funding, and basing arrangements will hinge on NATO members' compliance with US expectations. He specifically criticized European allies for their lack of predictable access to military bases and airspace during the ongoing US military operations in Iran. "It was shameful," Hegseth stated, adding that the actions of these allies put American service members at risk.
This criticism comes as the US is reportedly reducing its military assets and forces designated for NATO operations in Europe. These reductions include a significant cut of one-third of pledged US fighter jets and long-range bombers, along with reductions in aerial refueling tankers, maritime surveillance aircraft, and other naval assets that were previously considered essential for NATO's contingency plans.
Hegseth's announcement also included a warning that countries failing to increase their defense spending "with urgency" may see a reduction in US financial contributions to NATO. This statement echoes long-standing concerns raised by former President Donald Trump, who frequently criticized European NATO members for not meeting their defense spending commitments.
The meeting marked the first attendance of the UK's new defense secretary, Dan Jarvis, who recently took over the position amid internal disputes regarding military funding. While the UK government has committed to reaching NATO's new 5% spending target by 2035, Jarvis did not announce any new funding commitments during the meeting.
The divide within NATO has been exacerbated by differing responses to the US's military strategy in Iran. Several NATO countries, including France, Spain, and Italy, have limited access to their bases and airspace for US military operations, prompting Hegseth to voice concerns about the implications for US military strategy. He noted that while the UK allowed American forces to operate from RAF Fairford, the overall lack of cooperation from European allies was troubling.
Hegseth articulated a broader critique of NATO's current state, describing it as a "paper tiger" that has strayed from its original military purpose since the end of the Cold War. He argued that the alliance has shifted away from "hard power" to a focus on distractions and deindustrialization, leading to a situation where some member states are perceived as "free riding" on the military capabilities of others.
As part of a proposed shift in strategy, Hegseth indicated that the Trump administration aims to transform NATO into what he termed "NATO 3.0," a model in which European nations take greater responsibility for their own defense while the US reallocates its focus to global priorities.
The discussions in Brussels reflect ongoing tensions within NATO regarding defense spending and military cooperation, particularly as the alliance navigates new geopolitical challenges. The outcome of Hegseth's review and the subsequent responses from NATO members could significantly impact the future of US military engagement in Europe and the overall cohesion of the alliance.