Media: US tests NATO allies’ loyalty to Trump ahead of troop cuts

The United States is assessing NATO allies’ support for President Donald Trump’s policies as part of a review of its military presence in Europe that could lead to significant reductions in US troops and military assets, Bloomberg reports.

According to a document seen by Bloomberg, Washington has asked NATO members whether they have publicly supported US foreign policy, restricted the use of their bases by the US military, or opposed regulations that could limit contracts with American defence companies.

The questionnaire also asks whether allies are aligned with what Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has described as a “strong, clear, and quiet” US approach.

The move has caused concern among some NATO members, who view the assessment as an attempt to link US security commitments to political support for the Trump administration, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.

The questionnaire comes as the Trump administration conducts a six-month review of the US military presence in Europe, expected to conclude by December. The review could result in further reductions in US troops and military assets available to reinforce NATO allies in the event of an attack.

The document also addresses disagreements between Washington and European allies over issues including US military operations against Iran and Venezuela, restrictions on the use of European bases, defence spending and efforts to favour European defence companies.

Bloomberg reported that the US has already announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany without replacing them, while Trump has pledged to send additional forces to Poland. The review could also affect strategic bombers, drones and naval vessels earmarked for NATO operations.

A NATO official confirmed that the US was working with allies as part of the review but declined to comment on the document. The US Defence Department also declined to comment.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has described the review as a logical step given increased defence spending by European allies and Canada.

By Aghakazim Guliyev