Donald Trump has spent years criticizing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), arguing that the alliance has become far too dependent on the United States while European members fail to meet their own defense obligations.
During both his first term and his current presidency, Trump repeatedly called out countries like Germany, Spain, and France for spending well below NATO’s agreed defense targets while relying on American military power for protection. His argument has always been simple: the United States carries the financial and military burden while Europe enjoys the benefits without making equal sacrifices.
Now, that criticism appears to be turning into concrete policy. According to reports from German outlet Der Spiegel and Reuters, the United States plans to sharply reduce the military assets it commits to NATO operations and emergency response capabilities.
The reported changes include fewer fighter jets, fewer strategic bombers, reduced aerial refueling support, and the complete removal of U.S. submarines from NATO force assignments. The move reportedly caught many European allies off guard and has raised serious questions about the future structure of the alliance.
The timing is significant. NATO has already faced growing strain over the war in Ukraine, rising tensions with Russia, and disagreements over defense spending. Trump has long argued that Europe must become more self-reliant rather than assuming the United States will automatically provide protection during every crisis. His administration now appears determined to force that transition.
🇺🇸🇪🇺 NEW: U.S. reduces NATO military support
The United States is scaling back key military assets assigned to NATO, including fewer fighter jets, reduced strategic bombers, and no submarine contributions, according to Der Spiegel and Reuters.
The move, discussed in a closed… pic.twitter.com/6ROQfQwSkw
— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) May 26, 2026
According to the reports, Pentagon officials informed NATO partners during a closed-door briefing that European nations will also be expected to handle more of their own reconnaissance drone capabilities, an area that has become critical in modern warfare. The war in Ukraine demonstrated how important drones and surveillance systems are on the battlefield, and many European countries remain heavily dependent on American technology and logistical support.
The administration’s position reportedly goes even further. Officials indicated that the United States will prioritize close military cooperation only with NATO members willing to quickly fill the defense gaps left behind by Washington’s reduced role. Some European officials interpreted the message as a warning that countries unwilling to increase military spending could find themselves increasingly isolated within the alliance.
Trump had already signaled his frustration with Germany earlier this year by ordering the withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops stationed there. Reports indicated that the decision followed comments from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticizing the United States’ handling of negotiations with Iran. That episode reinforced Trump’s longstanding belief that some NATO allies publicly criticize America while privately depending on American military protection.
For decades, NATO operated under the assumption that the United States would serve as the alliance’s backbone regardless of how much Europe contributed. That assumption now appears to be changing. European leaders are reportedly preparing for a major “Force Sourcing Conference” in June to discuss how member states can replace the military coverage the U.S. is pulling back.
Whether one views Trump’s strategy as overdue reform or a dangerous gamble, it is clear that NATO is entering a new phase. The old arrangement — where the United States provided overwhelming military support while many European allies underinvested in defense — may no longer be sustainable. Europe is now being pushed toward something many leaders long avoided: military self-reliance.
