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Hegseth explodes against NATO: We are reviewing our presence in Europe

Politiko 2026-06-18 13:13:44

Hegseth explodes against NATO: We are reviewing our presence in Europe

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply criticized NATO allies over defense spending and positions on the Iran war, as he announced a review of the US military presence in Europe.

He said European countries must take more responsibility for their own security. Hegseth warned that the US could suspend some of its contributions to NATO if allies who “benefit without contributing” do not meet commitments to increase defense spending.

Speaking to defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, he said the review could take up to six months and would include consultations with the US Congress.

"Make no mistake: this will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving quickly and irreversibly towards a model where Europe takes the lead and rises to take primary responsibility for Europe's defense ," Hegseth said.

The US Secretary of Defense further added that Europe must take the lead in building a "NATO 3.0", as he called it, and in creating a "true and tough military alliance", capable of responding to any threat.

He criticized allies for failing to provide American forces with access to European bases to launch attacks on Iran, calling such a stance shameful.

“The United States has defended Europe for generations. The president said that our planes would have to take off from bases in Europe or our ships from European ports to strike targets in the Middle East, Iranian targets that threaten European interests even more directly than our own. But many of our allies said no, or tried to drown us in complicated legal debates, or publicly criticized us for what they themselves are not willing or able to do. It was embarrassing ,” he said.

Hegseth also used his speech at the meeting to attack European policies on migration and gender equality. His statements were similar to those made by US Vice President JD Vance in February last year, which caused discontent and strong reactions in Europe.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted on Thursday that the alliance had spent $90 billion more on defense compared to last year, a 20 percent increase.

According to him, the ministers agreed to strengthen nuclear deterrence by modernizing NATO's nuclear capabilities.

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