Hegseth Orders Review of US Force Posture in Europe, Warns NATO Laggards of Consequences

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Belgium, on June 18, 2026. Virginia Mayo/AP

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on June 18 announced a six-month review of U.S. force posture and basing in Europe, warning that NATO allies failing to meet defense spending commitments could face consequences as Washington pushes the alliance toward what he called a new era of burden-sharing.

Speaking at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth said the review would examine America’s military footprint in Europe and help ensure that European allies assume primary responsibility for the continent’s conventional defense.