US announces review of forces in Europe amid rift with NATO over military spending

The United States has announced a six-month review of American forces in Europe amid a rift with NATO’s European allies over their spending in the military alliance.

Speaking at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Thursday, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US will be “doubling down” on its efforts to get allies to take responsibility for their own defense.

"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," he said.

"It's a review that some countries will fail, and others will pass with flying colors."

Hegseth also noted that US dues to the NATO budget will be contingent on other countries meeting their military spending targets.

“Where other allies do not spend with urgency, our dues, contributions will go down. NATO will be a two-way street,” he added.

“America cannot care for or pay more for Europe’s defense than our allies do.”

Meanwhile, the war secretary lambasted European allies for failing to provide American forces with access to their bases during the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, calling it “shameful.”

US President Donald Trump "gave our allies a test to support America when we asked for their help, and too many failed it," he said.

He further censured some of NATO’s largest economies for still thinking that “the era of free-riding is here.”

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Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO, including for the military alliance’s lack of support for the recent US-Israeli war on Iran.

He has accused European governments of not spending enough on defense and relying too heavily on US protection, urging Europe and Asian allies to boost military spending to 3.5 percent of GDP.

Recently, Washington informed allies of plans to reduce the assets it puts at disposal of NATO commanders.

Media reports said that the cuts include a third of the 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO, plus refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers and drones.

A submarine that can launch cruise missiles is also being taken out, along with one of two aircraft carrier groups, the reports added.

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