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Hegseth announces in Brussels a review of U.S. forces in Europe, and a 'NATO 3.0'

NPR (Associated Press) · back to the audit

Hegseth announces in Brussels a review of U.S. forces in Europe, and a 'NATO 3.0'

By The Associated Press

BRUSSELS — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lashed out at NATO allies on Thursday, announcing a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe whose outcome will depend on how fast the Europeans take responsibility for their own security.

Hegseth lambasted European allies for failing to provide U.S. forces access to bases in Europe to launch attacks on Iran, calling it 'shameful.'

'Instead of tanks and fighters and air defenses, the focus has been on gender equity and climate change and defense austerity,' Hegseth said.

Hegseth's comments largely mischaracterized European policies today. On defense, European allies and Canada have launched an unprecedented effort to boost defense spending and expand their armed forces. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted on Thursday that they spent $90 billion more on defense last year, a 20% increase over 2024. And while Europe accepted large numbers of migrants and asylum seekers more than a decade ago, most countries have tightened their borders since.

The Trump administration now wants a reboot of the 32-nation organization to turn it into a 'NATO 3.0' capable of deterring any threat, Hegseth said.