In a striking speech before the US House Committee on Budget Allocation, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared: It is time for NATO allies to stand up to protect Europe - a clear message that Washington will no longer be the main security guarantee for the old continent.
Our strategy is very realistic: European NATO countries must have enough economic potential to deter Russia. Meanwhile, US resources are increasingly depleted, especially as we shift our focus to the Pacific Ocean, said Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Minister Hegseth stressed that this is not only a matter of fairness for US taxpayers - who are increasingly impatient with "covering" Europe - but also a vital factor for NATO to maintain sustainability.
We do not withdraw from NATO, but we will not continue to tolerate the fact that Europe is completely dependent on Washington, Hegseth said, warning: The United States cannot continue to be the sole security guards for Europe.
This statement accurately reflects President Donald Trump's strong stance so far: demanding that European allies increase defense spending, reduce dependence on the US, especially in the context of the US wanting to focus on responding to China in the Indo-Pacific region.
In his speeches since the beginning of the year, Mr. Hegseth has denied Ukraine's ability to join NATO and considered the goal of returning the border in 2014 "unrealistic". According to him, Europe must take on the role of regional security itself, instead of waiting for the US to act.
In Brussels in February, the US Secretary of Defense stated: "Ukraine needs support, but it cannot be a reason for the US to replace Europe." Shortly after, many countries such as Germany, Poland, and France announced new defense spending packages - showing that pressure from Washington is effective.
Although there is no specific decision on whether to withdraw or reduce US troops in Europe, Mr. Hegseth revealed that the development of the US-Russia dialogue will be the deciding factor. This sets a new prospect for European security, where the shield is no longer completely in Washington's hands.
To have a lasting peace in Europe, it is necessary to deter with the power of Europe itself, Hegseth concluded.
