NATO and Europe still in Trump’s sights, new attack from the tycoon: “It’s ridiculous”

“It’s rIt is ridiculous that the United States continues to follow a unilateral path” in supporting NATO militarily, “in the absence of reciprocity” from the European allies, who “are not close to us”, wrote the occupant of the White House.

Trump also posted a graphic indicating the United States contribution amounting to “999 billion dollars”instead “United Kingdom 90.5 billion, France 66.5 billion, Italy 48.8 billion and Poland 44.3 billion”.

The background: Hegseth ready to cut new US presence in Europe, Rubio’s stop

Meanwhile, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth had intended to announce significant new cuts to the American military presence in Europe during the meeting of NATO military leaders last month in Brussels, but the plan was stopped by the highest officials of President Trump’s administration, especially Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This the background revealed by the Wall Street Journalciting informed sources.

Instead of announcing cuts, Hegseth announced the start of a review of the posture of US forces in Europea process that could take up to six months. The episode, according to the newspaper, highlights how a shared position has not yet been reached within the Trump administration on the extent and timing of a possible downsizing of the American military presence on the continent, a topic that continues to raise concerns among NATO allies and in the United States Congress. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth “wanted to ensure his message aligned with the president’s goals and agenda and was not intended to limit the president’s decision-making latitude.”