US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a comprehensive six-month review of US military troop deployments and bases in Europe on June 18, 2026. Speaking at a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Hegseth linked future troop levels to ally funding for their own security and implemented immediate cuts to assets used for specific NATO missions.
The review will examine troop levels, military access, basing rights, and overflight permissions across the continent. Hegseth framed the initiative as a “reboot” of the alliance to shift NATO toward shared responsibility. He targeted countries with the lowest defense spending, stating that US presence would scale based on national contributions.
Hegseth also threatened to withhold US dues to NATO if “free riding” allies did not increase spending and commitment. He described the reluctance of some member states to assist in US military strikes against Iran as “shameful,” using the lack of alignment as a metric for European commitment.
The announcement created high tension among NATO defense ministers in Brussels. While the US describes the move as a transition toward greater European leadership, European governments responded with alarm. Member states are now preparing for a security architecture with significantly less US logistical and combat support.
The Pentagon will evaluate troop levels and basing rights over the next six months. This process coincides with immediate reductions in US assets assigned to specific NATO missions as the US administration accelerates the transition toward increased European security responsibility.