The US wants to know how loyal each NATO ally is to Donald Trump’s policies before cutting military assets defending the alliance.
In a document recently sent to North Atlantic Treaty Organization members and seen by Bloomberg News, the US asks a series of questions that gauge support for the president’s approach. Has the country “been publicly supportive” of US foreign policy? What “restrictions” has the country placed on the US military using its bases?
The document also tries to assess whether countries are spending money with US defense contractors. And it asks whether they have “publicly opposed regulations” that “inhibit” contracts with US firms. Overall, it queries: “Has the country shown alignment with the US approach to ‘strong, clear, and quiet’?” — referencing a line from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Allies have balked at the move, seeing it as an attempt to strong-arm them into ideological alignment in exchange for US protection, according to people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss the private missive.
Linking America’s long-standing security commitments to such fealty would upend the post-World War II transatlantic relationship, which was built on US military guarantees that superseded many political disagreements. Already, Trump’s team has tried to boost right-wing forces in places like Germany and Hungary, while offering extra troops after a preferred candidate won the presidency in Poland.
The questionnaire arrives weeks into the Trump administration’s six-month review of its military presence in Europe, which is expected to conclude by December. The move has left NATO allies bracing for deep cuts to American support, including troops stationed in Europe and military assets the US would send during an attack.
A NATO official confirmed the US is working with allies on its review, but didn’t comment on the letter. The Defense Department didn’t comment.
The document indirectly touches on numerous issues that have divided Washington from its NATO allies, including the US attacks on Iran, the raid to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and a European push to give defense contracts to local firms.
The question about public support for US foreign policy, for instance, specifically mentions “initiatives” in the Middle East and the Western Hemisphere — both areas where Trump has conducted strikes without NATO support.
In Iran, the US and Israel launched the ongoing war without consulting NATO allies. Several countries, like Spain, later barred Washington from using local bases to strike Iran.
The document asks whether each country has imposed these bans, and includes a follow up question: “Are they willing to reduce or eliminate any such restrictions?”
Similarly, the US startled NATO allies in January when it seized and arrested Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, as part of a push to reclaim American influence over the Western Hemisphere. Many European countries considered the raid a violation of international law.
The questionnaire also digs into the divisive issue of defense budgets, asking for receipts showing compliance with a push to hit higher spending targets and have Europe replace US military assets. Notably, it asks whether countries are buying from American firms, and whether they have spoken out against new “made in Europe” policies.
“If not, would they be willing to do so?” it asks.
The document was first circulated to countries in Washington before making the rounds this week at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The US will meet with NATO allies in Brussels later this month to discuss the ongoing review.
The assessment is expected to further cull the US military footprint in Europe. Already, the US said it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany and redeploy other forces without replacements. Trump did, however, pledge to send additional troops to Poland, citing the election of nationalist Karol Nawrocki as president.
The US is also slashing the military assets earmarked for an attack on NATO allies. The reductions could affect strategic bombers, which Europe does not possess, drones and naval vessels.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has argued the review is a logical and positive decision, given Europe and Canada’s surging defense budgets.
“It is, I think, bringing NATO closer together,” he told reporters in July. “And having a review regularly, I think, is only wise.”
Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Bloomberg news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.