Asger Risom
Washington signals shift in alliance expectations ahead of key NATO summit in The Hague.
NATO allies should no longer expect the United States to shoulder the burden of their defense. That was the blunt message from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ahead of this month’s NATO summit in The Hague, as reported by HotNews.
The remarks come amid renewed pressure from the Trump administration for European allies to boost defense spending and take greater responsibility for continental security.
“No More Dependence on America”
Speaking to reporters, Hegseth reiterated President Donald Trump’s longstanding criticism of NATO allies that fail to meet defense spending targets.
Hegseth said:
It’s about deterrence and peace through strength, but it cannot be about dependence.
It cannot be and will not be dependence on America. It cannot be just about U.S. capabilities.
His comments echo Trump’s repeated warnings that the U.S. may reconsider its role in NATO unless other member states increase their defense budgets.
Pushing for a 5% Defense Target
Hegseth emphasized that all NATO members must actively contribute to European security, suggesting a new threshold for commitment.
“The reason I’m here is to make sure every NATO country understands that every shoulder has to be at the plow,” Hegseth said, expressing confidence that an agreement will be reached during the summit. He continued: “Every country must contribute at that 5% level.
President Trump is scheduled to attend the June 24–25 summit, where he will be joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Romanian President Nicușor Dan. Dan has publicly supported increasing Romania’s defense budget in light of regional security challenges.
The upcoming meeting in The Hague could mark a pivotal moment in redefining the strategic balance within the alliance—and how much longer it can rely on Washington’s support.