Pentagon Slashes NATO Combat Commitments as Trump Pushes Europe to Defend Itself

The Pentagon has informed European allies that the United States plans to reduce some of its military capabilities available to NATO during crises, as part of a broader effort to push Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense.

According to officials, the Trump administration plans to cut certain U.S. contributions — including strategic bombers, fighter jets, and some naval assets — by roughly one-third to one-half. The proposed changes were reportedly discussed during a NATO Defense Policy Directors’ meeting in Brussels.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described the move as an opportunity for NATO allies to respond to President Donald Trump’s long-standing demand that European nations shoulder more of the alliance’s conventional defense burden.

Parnell stated that increasing defense spending alone is not enough, stressing that European allies must invest in combat-ready military capabilities needed for Europe’s security.

The move comes ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara this July, where Trump is expected to intensify pressure on allies while the U.S. shifts more military focus toward the Indo-Pacific region.

Several European officials have reportedly expressed concern about the speed and lack of clarity surrounding Washington’s evolving military posture in Europe. However, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reassured allies that any changes would happen gradually and in a structured manner, insisting that the U.S. would remain engaged in European security.

The United States currently maintains its largest European troop presence in Germany with approximately 36,000 troops stationed there, alongside significant deployments in Italy, United Kingdom, and Poland.