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US Defense Secretary Calls for Major Review of Forces in Europe

KVIA•Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 10:40 AM•CNN Newsource

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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a significant six-month review of American military forces stationed in Europe during a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels. This review aims to ensure that NATO allies take more responsibility for their own defense, particularly in light of ongoing tensions related to the war in Iran. Hegseth criticized European nations for not contributing enough to their defense budgets, emphasizing that some allies may succeed in this review while others may not. The announcement comes amid a backdrop of reduced US military presence in Europe, including the planned withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year. This shift in strategy reflects the Trump administration's ongoing critique of NATO and its member countries.

Key Details: • Six-month review of US forces in Europe announced by Defense Secretary Hegseth. • Approximately 5,000 troops to be withdrawn from Germany over the next year. • European allies have pledged to increase military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

military defense europe nato us-forces

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Donald TrumpPete HegsethNATOMark RutteGermanyBrusselsPentagonFriedrich MerzEurope

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