Hegseth Scolds NATO

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month Pentagon review of U.S. forces and bases in Europe during a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, signaling possible changes to America’s military posture on the continent. Hegseth accused some allies of “free riding” and said the review would test which countries are doing enough, warning that nations spending too little on defense could face consequences as Washington pushes Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. He also criticized allies over their response to the U.S. war with Iran, including objections to the campaign and reported denials of access to some bases. The remarks deepened tensions inside the alliance as the Trump administration presses for what Hegseth framed as a faster, irreversible shift toward European-led defense.