Donald Trump is set to slash the arsenal of US fighter jets, warships and submarines reserved for NATO allies should a military crisis erupt in Europe, according to a new report.
Classified Briefing Reveals Major Cuts
A military envoy sent by Pete Hegseth told senior NATO officials in a classified briefing in Brussels late last week that US firepower committed to defending Europe would significantly decline, per Der Spiegel and Reuters.
The US fighter jet commitment to NATO is to be slashed by a third, while the Navy will withdraw destroyers from the alliance's pool. Washington will also pull its submarines from NATO altogether, envoy Alexander Velez-Green reportedly told officials behind closed doors.
Europe to Shoulder More Responsibility
Europe will also be responsible for maintaining its own supply of reconnaissance drones. Hegseth's envoy stressed that the US is prepared to cooperate closely only with NATO partners who act quickly to close the gaps left by Washington's scaling back of support.
Some officials in the secret meeting interpreted the message as an indirect threat, according to Der Spiegel.
The Daily Mail has contacted the White House and the Pentagon for comment.
