Hegseth Drops NATO Bombshell Review

A man in a blue suit speaking at a senate hearing with a panel of officials behind him

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just told NATO allies to their faces: stop free-riding on American troops and taxpayers — or face the consequences.

Story Snapshot

Hegseth announced a six-month review of all U.S. troops and bases in Europe, calling it the “NATO 3.0 review.”
He blasted some allies for blocking U.S. access to bases during Iran operations, calling it “shameful” and a danger to American lives.
The U.S. has already begun cutting forces pledged to NATO, including fighter jets and drones.
Hegseth warned that U.S. financial contributions to NATO could be withheld if allies don’t meet defense spending targets.

Hegseth Puts NATO on Notice in Brussels

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stood before NATO defense ministers in Brussels on June 18 and delivered a blunt message. He announced a formal six-month review of all American troops and military bases in Europe. He called it the “NATO 3.0 review.” The goal, he said, is to push Europe to take the lead on defending its own continent — and to make sure U.S. forces are ready for global needs, not just European ones.

“For too long, NATO has been perceived as a paper tiger and a one-way street,” Hegseth told the gathered ministers. “That ends now.” He made clear the review would be real, not symbolic. It will include input from the U.S. military, the U.S. European Command, Congress, and allied nations. Some countries will come out looking strong, he warned. Others will not.^[4]

Allies Blocked U.S. Forces During Iran Conflict

Hegseth saved some of his sharpest words for allies who refused to let U.S. forces use their bases or fly through their airspace during operations related to the Iran conflict. He called that refusal “shameful.” He said those allies put American lives at risk by denying access that should never have been in question. “These allies jeopardize the safety of America’s sons and daughters,” he said directly.^[3]

This is not a small complaint. U.S. forces in Europe depend on allied bases and airspace to move quickly and respond to threats. When allies say no, American troops lose time, flexibility, and safety. Hegseth made clear that future U.S. basing decisions will factor in which countries cooperate — and which ones don’t. The review will lock in guaranteed access, basing, and overflight rights going forward.^[2]

Troop and Asset Cuts Already Underway

The review announcement came as actual cuts were already in motion. The U.S. told allies last month it would reduce the military assets available to NATO in a crisis. Those cuts include refueling aircraft, fighter jets, drones, and naval vessels. According to reports, the number of F-15 and F-15E fighter jets available to NATO will drop by one-third, down to 99. The number of MQ-9 Reaper drones will be cut in half, to just 12.^[5]

NEW: The sweeping review of the U.S military presence in Europe will be led by Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the head of U.S. European Command, and the assessment has no predetermined outcome, a U.S. official told Air & Space Forces Magazine. Grynkewich also serves as Supreme Allied…

— Chris Gordon (@ByChrisGordon) June 18, 2026

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the reductions have already started. The U.S. also plans to remove 5,000 troops from Germany within six to twelve months. Earlier this year, the Pentagon moved most personnel out of a key logistics base in southeastern Poland.^[16] Military analysts note that once bases and infrastructure are given up, they are very hard to rebuild quickly.^[15]

A Long-Overdue Demand for Fairness

American taxpayers have funded Europe’s defense for decades. The argument for change is simple: European nations are wealthy enough to defend themselves. They should. The Trump administration is not asking allies to go it alone. It is asking them to carry their fair share. Hegseth framed the review as constructive, saying there are “no strategic surprises here” and that the goal is a stronger, more balanced alliance.^[4]

The NATO summit is set for July 7–8 in Ankara, Turkey. That meeting will be a key test of whether allies take Hegseth’s warning seriously. Countries that step up on spending and access will likely see continued U.S. commitment. Those that don’t now have a formal, time-limited review counting down. For American conservatives who have long demanded accountability from NATO, this moment is long overdue.^[2]