What Happened
US Defense Secretary's Demands May Undermine Alliance Solidarity
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a Pentagon review of NATO allies’ performance, sparking concern among European nations. The review may tie US presence in Europe to allies’ defense spending, which has increased by $90 billion in 2025. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has expressed uncertainty about the review’s terms and outcome. The move has been criticized by some as undermining alliance solidarity and trust, according to a report by the Associated Press.