Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth flew to Brussels on June 18 and told NATO defense ministers their alliance was due for a hard reckoning. He announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe and warned that some countries would "fail" it. He said NATO 2.0 — what he called "an era of freeriding" — was finished and laid out a vision he called "NATO 3.0," a genuine military alliance where Europe takes the lead on its own conventional defense. Then he left early, before Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was scheduled to speak.

1. Allies Blocked US Bases During the Iran War. Now They'll Be Graded. (Hegseth and the Trump Administration)

Hegseth says Europe hasn't held up its end — and now there's a review that will put that in writing.

Denying US forces access during the Iran war crossed a line. Hegseth blasted unnamed NATO allies for blocking US base access and overflight rights during the Iran war, calling it "shameful." He said those allies "put America's sons and daughters at risk by denying them the predictable access and overflight that never should have been in question at all."

European allies focused on climate policy instead of tanks, Hegseth said. He said they spent years prioritizing "gender equity and climate change" over fighter aircraft and air defenses. He called NATO 2.0 "an era of freeriding" and said that era is over.

The US will withhold NATO dues from allies that fall short. Hegseth threatened to pull US dues from allies that don't meet spending targets. The US is demanding a minimum of 3.5% of GDP from its partners. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the EUCOM commander, will run the six-month review — and Hegseth was direct: "Some countries will fail, and others will pass with flying colors."

2. But Europe Has Already Spent the Money. (German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte)

European allies say they've already answered US pressure with record spending — and warn that rapid US withdrawal is dangerous regardless.

The spending surge is real. 31 of 32 NATO members now spend at least 2% of GDP on defense, up from 18 the year before. Europe and Canada increased defense spending by 20% in 2025, adding $90 billion over 2024. Germany's defense budget has doubled since 2021.

Fast withdrawals create dangerous gaps, Germany's defense minister warns. Boris Pistorius called for a "synchronized process" to prevent "dangerous capability gaps in Europe" and said changes would need to be "negotiated with American partners." Belgium has pledged additional F-16s and drones. Across Europe, defense industry capacity is still constrained.

NATO's own leader backs the reboot. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called US pressure on allied spending "completely acceptable." But he also defended the allied record: allies added $90 billion to defense budgets in 2025 alone. He downplayed recent US reductions to fighter jets, tankers, and bombers from the NATO Force Model, calling it a "planning tool" adjustment. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz put it plainly: "We know that we must do more, and we are doing it."

3. Still, Congress Set a Floor for a Reason. (Senators Roger Wicker and Thom Tillis, Representatives Mike Rogers and Austin Scott)

Congressional Republicans — including the chairs of both armed services committees — already legislated a troop floor specifically to prevent this kind of pullback.

The NDAA already mandates 76,000 US troops in Europe. The Pentagon can't reduce below that without certifying to Congress — with 120 days' notice — that cuts won't harm US or NATO security interests. The US currently has about 80,000 troops in Europe.

The committee chairs pushed back when 5,000 troops left Germany in May. Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker and House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers released a joint statement saying they were "concerned." They called for "a deliberate review process and close coordination with Congress and our allies."

Allies are spending more, but weapons production can't keep up. Sen. Thom Tillis, co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, acknowledged "tremendous progress" on allied spending. But he said the Ankara summit still needs to address weapons production shortfalls. Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) called Pentagon troop decisions "last-minute." Hegseth acknowledged the review will include "consultations with the US Congress."

Where This Lands

The Trump administration says the Iran war exposed a real failure: allies blocked US bases when it mattered. The administration says the era of unconditional US commitment is finished. European allies say they've already delivered record spending increases. They warn that fast, uncoordinated withdrawals create real gaps in deterrence. Congressional Republicans — including the GOP chairs of the armed services committees — legislated a 76,000-troop floor specifically to block unilateral pullbacks. The NATO Summit in Ankara on July 7-8 is the first pressure point.

Sources