Full Breakdown
U.S. Defense Secretary Calls for Six-Month Review of American Forces in Europe
6/18/2026, 8:30:06 PM
Review Announcement and Objectives
At the NATO defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels on 18 June 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a Pentagon review of U.S. force posture in Europe. He said the review will test whether troops have “predictable access, basing and overflight” and will link outcomes to how quickly European allies assume responsibility for defence.
Context and Recent U.S. Policy Shifts
The review follows a 3 June notice that the United States will stop providing an aircraft carrier, support ships, aerial-refueling planes and fighter jets to a NATO member, and will pull 5,000 troops from Germany. The Trump administration says the shift is needed to plan for conflicts, including a China-focused war.
Official Statements & Responses
Hegseth called for a “NATO 3.0” alliance. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said NATO Force Model is a planning tool and that allies would “max out what we need to fight the war.” NATO Nuclear Planning Group said nuclear forces remain the “supreme guarantee of Allied security.” Alexus Grynkewich warned the United States seeks to reduce “codependence.” European allies and Canada reported a $90 billion defence spending rise in 2025, a 20 % increase, and a $574 billion NATO-Europe-Canada investment.
Criticism, Opposition & Gaps
Analysts say Hegseth’s remarks mischaracterise European policies, noting allies have increased defence spending and tightened borders. Officials called the U.S. stance “humiliating” and warned crisis-pool contributions could strain defence. Sources differ on assets withdrawn: one cites an aircraft carrier, support ships, aerial-refueling planes and fighter jets; another mentions refuelling aircraft, drones and ships. Hegseth called the review “immediate,” despite a six-month timetable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe,” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary
- “These allies, they put America’s sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk by denying them the predictable access, basing and overflight that never should have been in question at all,” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary
- “NATO 3.0 is post-Cold War recognition that it needs to go back to a real hardline military alliance that has real military capabilities capable of deterring right here on the continent and taking the lead for the conventional defence of Europe,” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary
- “It’s a review that some countries will fail and others will pass with flying colors.” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary
What’s Next
NATO defence ministers will meet in Turkey on 7-8 July to discuss the review’s implications. U.S. Supreme Allied Commander is drafting backup defence plans, and the review’s findings will shape U.S. force posture, basing rights and contributions to NATO’s crisis-pool.
