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Hegseth Orders Six-Month Europe Force Review, Threatens NATO Dues Cut

6/19/2026

Summary

Hegseth Orders Review

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of U.S. forces in Europe, led by Gen. Alexus Grynkewich to assess posture, basing and overflight rights.
Hegseth warned NATO members must meet a 3.5 percent of GDP defense-spending target or fail.
He said U.S. could cut its NATO dues by 15 percent of $5.75 billion budget; NATO reported European-Canadian allies spent $574 billion in 2025, a 20 percent rise, and pledged 5 percent of GDP by 2035.

Summary

Jarvis condemns allies

UK Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis attended the NATO summit without the plan after a funding row forced former minister John Healey to resign.
Healey accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of refusing to fund British security.
Jarvis condemned European allies for blocking U.S. and Israeli overflight and port access for Iran strikes.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Europe and Canada are replacing U.S. equipment withdrawn in a $50 billion pullback, leaving gaps.

Summary

Rutte Rejects

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the United States will not assume Article 5 commitments if a war with Russia occurs.
Allied Commander Alexus G. Grynkewich warned the shift will reshape NATO defense planning.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said a six-month review will involve Congress and allies, calling those who refused calls against Iran “shameful” and linking spending criticism to Iran support to build NATO 3.0, an alliance with European lead.

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Hegseth Orders Review

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of U.S. forces in Europe, led by Gen. Alexus Grynkewich to assess posture, basing and overflight rights.
Hegseth warned NATO members must meet a 3.5 percent of GDP defense-spending target or fail.
He said U.S. could cut its NATO dues by 15 percent of $5.75 billion budget; NATO reported European-Canadian allies spent $574 billion in 2025, a 20 percent rise, and pledged 5 percent of GDP by 2035.

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