Pentagon review to give Hegseth Europe troop options by Nov. 6
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A Pentagon review of U.S. troop deployments in Europe will create at least four sets of options for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by Nov. 6, according to a document seen by Reuters. The review, announced in June, is due to be completed in December. NATO allies worry it will lead to large-scale cuts to the roughly 80,000 U.S. forces in Europe.
Key Facts
- The Pentagon review will create at least four sets of options for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by Nov. 6, ahead of a December deadline for completion.
- The top U.S. general in Europe is to participate in a decision briefing with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby by Sept. 18.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said the large majority of Europeans have been helpful in the Iran war.
- The Trump administration has signaled it intends to reduce military resources devoted to Europe and expects NATO allies to carry a greater share of the burden.
Review Timeline
The Pentagon's 'Terms of Reference' document, not previously detailed, outlines steps and criteria for evaluating U.S. basing decisions throughout Europe. A decision briefing involving the top U.S. general in Europe and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby is planned by Sept. 18. The briefing will be key in developing options for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to the document. Colby is expected to speak with NATO ambassadors about the review on Thursday at the alliance's Brussels headquarters.
Allied Concerns
NATO allies worry the six-month review will lead to large-scale cuts to the roughly 80,000 U.S. forces across Europe. European officials privately express concern that Washington's decision is all but made. President Donald Trump has fumed that European NATO allies have long relied on U.S. security guarantees while providing inadequate support for the Iran war. Accusations include that some allies failed to grant basing and overflight access to U.S. warplanes, or did so too slowly.
Administration Position
A senior Pentagon official said the administration has made clear it is transitioning to provide critical, more limited support with allies in the lead. The official said President Trump has been frustrated with certain allies' behavior in recent months, creating a demand signal for options that would show downgraded force levels in Europe. The official added that the review seeks to provide a spectrum of options from current levels to wherever the review leads.
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Pentagon review to give Hegseth Europe troop options by Nov. 6
