Before determining which U.S. troops and military capabilities assigned to NATO’s defense could be reduced, the United States is assessing how closely allied countries align with President Donald Trump’s administration policies.
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Bloomberg has reviewed a document recently circulated among Alliance members in which Washington seeks answers on a range of issues intended to indicate the level of allied support for U.S. foreign policy.
The questions include whether NATO countries have “publicly” supported U.S. policies and whether they have imposed restrictions on the use of their military bases by U.S. forces.
The document also seeks to establish whether allies have demonstrated alignment with the U.S. approach of being “strong, clear and calm,” wording used by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
European allies have interpreted the initiative as a way for Washington to pressure member states by making U.S. military support conditional on political alignment with the Trump administration.
Several countries have raised concerns that linking security guarantees to political loyalty could fundamentally transform the transatlantic relationship established after World War II. This was disclosed by people familiar with the document’s contents who spoke on condition of anonymity.
At the same time, the Trump administration has taken steps to strengthen relations with right-wing political forces in Europe, while also signaling changes to the deployment of U.S. troops on the continent.
The circulation of the questionnaire coincides with a six-month review by the United States of its military presence in Europe. The process, which is expected to conclude by December, has heightened concerns that significant reductions may follow.
The potential consequences are not limited to U.S. forces currently stationed on European territory. They could also include military capabilities that Washington would activate if a NATO member were attacked.
An Alliance official said the United States is working with allies during the review process but provided no details about the document. The U.S. Department of Defense has also declined to comment.
Indirectly, the questions address several issues that have caused disagreements between Washington and its European partners. These include U.S. operations in the Middle East and the Western Hemisphere, as well as European policies that give preference to domestic companies in defense contracts.
Military spending and defense equipment procurement make up a significant portion of the document. Washington is seeking assurances that allies are increasing defense funding and gradually taking responsibility for capabilities that have so far been provided by the U.S. military.
At the same time, the United States wants to know whether allied countries are using their funds to purchase weapons and equipment made by U.S. defense companies.
Allies are also being asked whether they have publicly opposed regulations that hinder contracts with U.S. companies. Specifically, the document asks whether countries have spoken out against new European “Made in Europe” policies favoring Europe’s defense industry. Those that have not done so are further asked whether they would be willing to take such action.
The document was initially sent to member states’ delegations in Washington and later began circulating at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Later this month, U.S. officials are expected to meet with allies in Brussels to discuss the review.
The process is expected to result in a further reduction of the U.S. military presence in Europe. Washington has already announced the withdrawal of around 5,000 troops from Germany, while other units are expected to be relocated without being replaced.
U.S. strategic assets assigned to the defense of NATO countries are also under review. Potential reductions could include strategic bombers, drones and warships—capabilities that many European countries do not possess at the same level.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has described the review as a positive and logical development, citing the significant increase in defense spending by Canada and European countries.
“I think it brings NATO closer together,” Rutte said in July, stressing that conducting regular reviews represents a prudent approach.
If the U.S. military presence is made conditional on how closely allied countries align politically with Washington, such a decision is expected to spark a new debate over the future of transatlantic ties and the role the United States will play in Europe’s defense.
