US plans to shrink forces available to NATO during crises, sources say
The Trump administration plans to reduce the military forces available to NATO during crises, signaling a shift in U.S. defense policy. This decision comes as President Trump expects European nations to take greater responsibility for their own security. The Pentagon's announcement is expected to intensify concerns among European allies about U.S. commitment to the alliance.
- ▪The U.S. plans to shrink the pool of military capabilities available to NATO during crises.
- ▪President Trump has indicated that European countries should take over primary responsibility for their security.
- ▪The Pentagon's decision to reduce its commitment will be discussed at a meeting of defense policy chiefs in Brussels.
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US plans to shrink forces available to NATO during crises, sources saySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 20, 2026, 04:13 AMUpdated May 20, 2026, 04:13 AMWASHINGTON/BRUSSELS, May 19 - The Trump administration is planning to tell NATO allies this week that it will shrink the pool of military capabilities that the U.S. would have available to assist the alliance's European nations in a major crisis, three sources familiar with the matter said.Under a framework known as the NATO Force Model, the alliance's member countries identify a pool of available forces that could be activated during a conflict or any other major crisis, such as a military attack on a NATO member.While the precise composition of those wartime forces is a closely guarded secret, the…
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