Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of American forces in Europe, criticizing NATO allies for their defense spending and reluctance to engage in the Iran conflict. He indicated that some countries would 'fail' the review, which aims to ensure NATO takes primary responsibility for European defense.
Hegseth labeled it 'shameful' that European nations denied U.S. forces access to bases for potential strikes on Iran. His remarks reflect growing tensions within the transatlantic alliance, particularly as NATO member states had previously committed to increasing defense spending under pressure from the Trump administration.
Hegseth reiterated the U.S. expectation of a minimum defense spending of 3.5% of GDP from allies, while praising countries like the Philippines and Australia for their defense contributions. The U.S. remains the largest defense spender in NATO, with an estimated $845 billion spent last year, significantly more than the $559 billion spent by all other NATO members combined