Pentagon chief’s review appears out of step with what NATO allies are already doing

Key Points:

• U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized NATO allies for insufficient defense efforts and announced a Pentagon review to assess their performance, linking U.S. military presence and funding to their commitment level.
• European leaders, meanwhile, are focused on long-standing security priorities such as increasing defense spending, enhancing military production, and improving capabilities like drones, air defense, and long-range weapons in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential Russian threats.
• The review's specifics remain unclear, but Hegseth indicated it would evaluate allies' defense spending urgency, basing rights, and operational readiness, with potential consequences for U.S. contributions to NATO budgets.
• NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted significant increases in European and Canadian defense spending—over $90 billion more in 2025 compared to 2024—and emphasized ongoing efforts to convert funds into military capabilities and support for Ukraine.
• Experts warn that framing U.S. support as conditional risks undermining NATO solidarity and security commitments, especially as European allies have taken on greater command roles and responsibility for supporting Ukraine amid fluctuating U.S. engagement.