Trump Moves Toward Reducing U.S. Military Support for NATO in Europe

The Trump administration is planning a significant cut in the U.S. military assets assigned to NATO in Europe, according to reports cited by Reuters. The move would reduce American air, naval and other support for the alliance and could weaken NATO’s deterrence and rapid-response capability on the continent, especially amid continuing tensions with Russia.

The New York Times reported that the number of fighter jets available for NATO missions in Europe would drop from about 150 to about 100. It also said the U.S. is considering cutting maritime patrol aircraft from 26 to 15 and removing all eight aerial refueling planes previously assigned to Europe.

The reported plan also includes repositioning a missile-launching submarine, an aircraft carrier and additional ships, along with dozens of aircraft involved in carrier strike group missions. One of the two bomber groups previously assigned to Europe could also be moved to other operating regions.

The shift fits Trump’s long-standing demand that European countries take on more of their own defense burden. In recent months, Trump and his aides have said many European states rely too heavily on American protection and do not spend enough on defense. Reuters also reported in May that Washington was reviewing further reductions, including a possible withdrawal of more than 5,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany. NATO and the U.S. Defense Department have not publicly commented on the reported details, though U.S. European Command said last week it intended to “align its contribution with NATO’s force model” without specifying the changes.