Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO allies Thursday the United States will spend the next six months reviewing where American troops are stationed across Europe, and warned Washington may withhold alliance dues from countries that fail to meet defense spending targets.
Speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth said the review will examine whether current U.S. force posture in Europe still serves American interests. The announcement puts allies on notice that decades-old basing arrangements are no longer guaranteed, particularly for nations that have resisted spending 2% of GDP on their own defense.
Threats to Withhold NATO Funding Over Spending Gaps
Hegseth specifically threatened to withhold a portion of U.S. contributions to NATO if “free riding” members continue falling short on their financial commitments. The 2% GDP target, established years ago, remains unmet by multiple European members despite repeated American pressure spanning multiple administrations.
The warning represents the most explicit linkage yet between allied defense spending and American financial support for the alliance. While previous administrations have pressured European allies to increase military budgets, Hegseth’s statement directly ties U.S. funding to allied compliance.
What the Review Means for American Bases
The six-month review will include consultations with allies, according to Hegseth, though he provided no details on what criteria will determine future troop levels. Tens of thousands of U.S. service members currently serve at bases across Europe, many stationed in Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
These installations have anchored American military presence in Europe since World War II and serve as logistical hubs for operations across Africa and the Middle East. Any significant drawdown would reshape not just European security but America’s global force projection capabilities.
For American military families, the review creates uncertainty about potential reassignments and base closures. For taxpayers, it raises questions about whether the current arrangement delivers sufficient return on the billions spent annually maintaining overseas infrastructure.
European Response Still Emerging
NATO defense ministers attending Thursday’s meeting have not yet issued formal responses to Hegseth’s announcement. The review timeline suggests any major changes to U.S. troop levels would not occur before early 2027, giving allies time to demonstrate increased defense commitments or negotiate alternative arrangements.
The announcement arrives as European members face their own budget pressures while managing migration challenges and economic uncertainty. Whether they can rapidly increase military spending remains unclear.
Key Points
- Defense Secretary orders six-month review of all U.S. troop deployments in Europe
- Pentagon may withhold NATO dues from allies who fail 2% GDP defense spending target
- Tens of thousands of American service members stationed across Europe could face reassignment
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/06/18/hegseth-announces-review-of-us-troops-in-europe-scorns-some-allies/ – June 18, 2026
