Trump administration to scale back US military support for NATO during wartime: Report
WASHINGTON, DC: The United States is preparing to significantly reduce the military resources it makes available to NATO allies during times of crisis, according to reports citing briefings delivered to alliance officials in Brussels. The proposed reductions reportedly include fewer strategic bombers, fighter jets, destroyers, submarines, and reconnaissance capabilities assigned to NATO operations.
The reported plans come amid growing tensions between Washington and European allies over defense spending, burden-sharing, and America’s long-term role in the alliance under President Donald Trump. NATO officials and member states are now bracing for further details expected to be presented at a force generation conference in early June.
US reportedly plans cuts to military assets available to NATO
According to German outlet Der Spiegel, an envoy representing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed senior NATO officials last week that the US intends to reduce its military commitments under the NATO Force Model, which outlines how allied nations contribute forces during crises or conflicts.
The report said the US plans to provide only half the number of strategic bombers previously assigned to NATO operations. American envoy Alexander Velez-Green also reportedly told officials that the number of US fighter jets available to the alliance would be reduced by roughly one-third. The US Navy is also expected to scale back its commitments.
Reports said Washington no longer intends to provide submarines to NATO operations and will make fewer destroyers available to the alliance during emergencies. In addition, the US is reportedly planning to retain exclusive control over reconnaissance drones while significantly reducing the availability of armed unmanned aerial vehicles for NATO missions.
Mid-air refueling aircraft, considered critical for long-range military operations, could also face reductions. Three sources familiar with the discussions said that the Trump administration planned to notify NATO allies about shrinking the pool of military capabilities available during crises.
NATO shifts toward reduced reliance on US amid Trump pressure on allies
The reported military changes come as Trump continues to criticize NATO allies for what he describes as insufficient defense spending and over-reliance on the US for European security.
Trump has repeatedly argued that European nations should assume greater responsibility for their own defense capabilities. The issue gained renewed attention following tensions surrounding the Iran conflict, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump’s previous comments about potentially reconsidering America’s NATO commitments.
The US currently maintains approximately 68,000 active-duty troops across Europe, with a large concentration stationed in Germany. However, Trump has previously threatened troop withdrawals and has questioned whether Washington should continue carrying a disproportionate share of NATO’s defense burden.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged last week that the alliance is discussing adjustments to force planning because of what he described as an “over-reliance” on the US. “We know that the US has to think: if you have multiple threats, how can we make sure that all the capabilities and all the key enablers are everywhere where we need them,” Rutte said.
