Hegseth announces review of US troops in Europe, scorns some allies

Hegseth announces review of US troops in Europe, scorns some allies

By Phil Stewart, Sabine Siebold and Lili Bayer, Reuters

BRUSSELS — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new review of America's troop deployments in Europe on Thursday and threatened to withhold some U.S. dues to NATO if 'free riding' allies did not meet their defense spending commitments.

Hegseth, addressing defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, said the U.S. review would last for up to six months and include consultations with the U.S. Congress, which has legislated a minimum number of U.S. forces in Europe.

'Make no mistake about it, 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,' Hegseth said.

Hegseth also slammed allies who did not support the United States during its war with Iran, after some denied the U.S. basing and overflight rights for war-related activities.

NATO chief Mark Rutte acknowledged that the reduction of U.S contributions to NATO's crisis forces has already taken effect. 'The question yesterday came up: Is this immediate or not? It is immediate,' he told reporters.