The Trump administration plans to inform NATO allies that it will reduce the pool of US military capabilities available for assisting European nations in a major crisis. This decision comes as part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to shift primary responsibility for Europe’s security from the United States to its European partners.
Under the NATO Force Model, member countries identify a pool of forces that could be mobilized during conflicts or crises. The Pentagon has decided to significantly scale down its commitment, with key figures such as Alex Velez-Green and Elbridge Colby set to attend a Friday meeting in Brussels to announce this change.
The US will continue to use nuclear weapons for NATO protection, but European allies are expected to take the lead on conventional forces. This shift is seen by some as a concrete implementation of Trump’s policy towards Europe.
The alliance is currently under significant strain, with concerns growing over potential troop withdrawals and adjustments in military commitments. The Pentagon has also announced plans to cut 5,000 US troops from Europe, including a decision to cancel the deployment of an Army brigade to Poland.
Despite these changes, NATO diplomats maintain that there is still an understanding between the US and European allies regarding mutual support during crises. However, Trump’s criticism of European military spending and his ambitions for Greenland have further heightened tensions within the alliance.