Insiders report that Donald Trump is preparing to inform NATO allies about the United States’ intention to decrease its military support during significant crises.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the US will reduce the pool of military capabilities available to European countries within the alliance, under the NATO Force Model framework. While the exact composition of these forces remains confidential, the Pentagon is reportedly planning a substantial reduction in America’s commitment.
President Trump has emphasized the need for European nations to assume greater responsibility for their security, shifting away from US support. This impending message to allies serves as a tangible implementation of that policy. The Pentagon is expected to announce this decision at a meeting of defense policy chiefs in Brussels later this week.
Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s policy chief, has affirmed that the US will still utilize its nuclear arsenal to safeguard NATO members, even as European allies take the lead on conventional military forces.
Sources indicate that Alex Velez-Green, a key aide to Colby, will likely represent the US in discussions. The adjustment of the NATO Force Model is a primary focus for Colby’s team leading up to the upcoming NATO leaders’ summit in Turkey in July.
Amid concerns that the NATO alliance is under strain and potential US withdrawal, recent actions by the Trump administration to reduce troops in Europe have raised alarms. This includes canceling the deployment of an Army brigade to Poland, a move criticized by lawmakers.
While Capitol Hill aides are reportedly aware and apprehensive about the Pentagon’s plans to scale back commitments under the NATO Force Model, a senior NATO diplomat maintains confidence that the US would provide assistance to Europe in times of need.
Trump and his team have criticized European allies for insufficient military spending and reliance on US defense capabilities, highlighting the presence of thousands of US troops in Europe. Tensions between the US and Europe have also been exacerbated by disputes such as Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland and clashes with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over Iran.
European allies argue that they are enhancing their military capacities rapidly but caution that this process cannot be expedited overnight.
