BRUSSELS — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of American military forces in Europe on Thursday during a meeting of NATO defense ministers.
The review, which is expected to last up to six months, will examine the U.S. force posture and basing in Europe and will include consultations with Congress, officials said. Hegseth spoke at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
"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 criticized some NATO allies, describing their actions during the recent U.S.-Iran conflict as "shameful" and accusing certain members of "free-riding." He threatened to withhold some U.S. contributions to NATO if allies do not meet defense spending commitments.
The announcement follows U.S. decisions to scale back commitments to high-readiness forces within the alliance. Details on potential changes to troop levels or specific bases remain subject to the outcome of the review.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the U.S. position, with discussions focusing on how European allies can increase their contributions to collective defense. European officials have been working to address gaps in capabilities amid shifting U.S. priorities.
The review aligns with broader efforts to reshape NATO, which Hegseth described as moving toward a "NATO 3.0" focused on a stronger conventional defense posture on the continent.
Hegseth noted that the United States plans significant investments in its own defense, including commitments exceeding $1 trillion in the coming year.
As of Thursday, NATO allies were assessing the implications of the announced review. No immediate decisions on force adjustments were detailed beyond the initiation of the study process.
The Pentagon and NATO continue to monitor the situation.
