Hegseth orders review of US forces in Europe amid NATO spending rift

The Secretary’s comments signaled a sharp pivot in alliance relations, specifically targeting member states that have lagged on defense spending commitments. Hegseth also challenged the collective stance of several nations regarding the ongoing war in Iran, suggesting that alignment on these issues will be a primary metric in the upcoming audit of U.S. force deployment.

This review, conducted within the corridors of the alliance's headquarters, marks a departure from traditional diplomatic consensus. By tying the presence of U.S. troops directly to fiscal performance and geopolitical cooperation, the Pentagon is moving toward a conditional model of security support. Member states now face the prospect of adjusting their military budgets or policy positions to avoid a potential drawdown of American assets.