Trump Considering Relinquishing US Leadership of NATO, According to NBC
US President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating the possibility of relinquishing Washington's exclusive leadership role within NATO's military command, as claimed by NBC News, citing defense officials. According to the report, Trump is...
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US President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating the possibility of relinquishing Washington's exclusive leadership role within NATO's military command, as claimed by NBC News, citing defense officials.
According to the report, Trump is evaluating the option of giving up control of the office of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), a position that has been held by a US four-star general since NATO was established in 1949.
The SACEUR is responsible for overseeing NATO military operations in Europe, with the current position occupied by Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, who has been managing NATO's coordination of military assistance to Ukraine throughout the ongoing conflict. Should the US decide to step back from this role, it would likely be filled by a representative from one of NATO's European member states.
NBC reports that Trump’s consideration of this move is part of a wider initiative to restructure US military commands and reduce defense spending. The administration has been investigating methods to cut costs within the Department of Defense.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has consistently criticized NATO. After taking office in January, he called upon European member states to boost their defense expenditures and cautioned that the US would not necessarily defend those NATO countries that fail to meet their financial commitments.
Trump has also attributed NATO's expansion and its approach toward Ukraine under former President Joe Biden as contributing factors to the current conflict.
Russia has long condemned NATO's expansion toward its borders, perceiving the alliance as a threat to its national security. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have frequently highlighted NATO's efforts to include Ukraine as one of the core reasons for the escalation of the conflict in 2022.
The NBC report did not clarify whether Trump has reached a final decision regarding the SACEUR position, and the degree to which the proposal is being considered remains uncertain. The US Defense Department has not provided any comments on the matter.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
According to the report, Trump is evaluating the option of giving up control of the office of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), a position that has been held by a US four-star general since NATO was established in 1949.
The SACEUR is responsible for overseeing NATO military operations in Europe, with the current position occupied by Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, who has been managing NATO's coordination of military assistance to Ukraine throughout the ongoing conflict. Should the US decide to step back from this role, it would likely be filled by a representative from one of NATO's European member states.
NBC reports that Trump’s consideration of this move is part of a wider initiative to restructure US military commands and reduce defense spending. The administration has been investigating methods to cut costs within the Department of Defense.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has consistently criticized NATO. After taking office in January, he called upon European member states to boost their defense expenditures and cautioned that the US would not necessarily defend those NATO countries that fail to meet their financial commitments.
Trump has also attributed NATO's expansion and its approach toward Ukraine under former President Joe Biden as contributing factors to the current conflict.
Russia has long condemned NATO's expansion toward its borders, perceiving the alliance as a threat to its national security. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have frequently highlighted NATO's efforts to include Ukraine as one of the core reasons for the escalation of the conflict in 2022.
The NBC report did not clarify whether Trump has reached a final decision regarding the SACEUR position, and the degree to which the proposal is being considered remains uncertain. The US Defense Department has not provided any comments on the matter.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
