403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were
looking for doesn't exist.
Trump wants to relinquish US control over NATO`s top military command
(MENAFN) US President Donald trump is reportedly exploring the possibility of relinquishing Washington’s exclusive control over NATO’s top military command, NBC News has reported, citing defense officials.
Since NATO’s founding in 1949, the position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) has always been held by a US four-star general. The current officeholder, Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, oversees NATO military operations in Europe and has been a key figure in coordinating Western military aid to Ukraine during the conflict with Russia.
If the US gives up its leadership of the role, the position would likely be transferred to a European NATO member.
According to NBC, Trump’s consideration of this move is part of a broader effort to restructure US military command and cut defense spending. His administration has been reviewing ways to reduce costs within the Pentagon as part of his long-standing criticism of NATO.
Since taking office, Trump has pressured European NATO members to increase their defense spending, warning that the US would not defend nations that fail to meet their financial commitments.
Additionally, Trump has blamed NATO’s expansion and its outreach to Ukraine under former US President Joe Biden as factors that contributed to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Moscow has repeatedly described NATO’s enlargement as a security threat and cited its push to bring Ukraine into the alliance as one of the key reasons behind the escalation of hostilities in 2022.
NBC’s report did not confirm whether Trump has made a final decision on relinquishing control of SACEUR, and it remains unclear how seriously the idea is being considered. The US Department of Defense has not yet commented on the matter.
Since NATO’s founding in 1949, the position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) has always been held by a US four-star general. The current officeholder, Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, oversees NATO military operations in Europe and has been a key figure in coordinating Western military aid to Ukraine during the conflict with Russia.
If the US gives up its leadership of the role, the position would likely be transferred to a European NATO member.
According to NBC, Trump’s consideration of this move is part of a broader effort to restructure US military command and cut defense spending. His administration has been reviewing ways to reduce costs within the Pentagon as part of his long-standing criticism of NATO.
Since taking office, Trump has pressured European NATO members to increase their defense spending, warning that the US would not defend nations that fail to meet their financial commitments.
Additionally, Trump has blamed NATO’s expansion and its outreach to Ukraine under former US President Joe Biden as factors that contributed to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Moscow has repeatedly described NATO’s enlargement as a security threat and cited its push to bring Ukraine into the alliance as one of the key reasons behind the escalation of hostilities in 2022.
NBC’s report did not confirm whether Trump has made a final decision on relinquishing control of SACEUR, and it remains unclear how seriously the idea is being considered. The US Department of Defense has not yet commented on the matter.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment