Hegseth Warns NATO Allies: No More Freeloading On America’s Dime

While alliance members agreed to pursue the target, many countries have acknowledged that reaching it may prove difficult

The Trump administration has repeatedly argued that American taxpayers have borne an unfair share of the burden for decades, while wealthy allies have underinvested in their own militaries.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently indicated that reductions in U. S. troop levels in Europe remain possible as Washington shifts more attention toward emerging threats elsewhere in the world.

Hegseth expanded on that theme in Singapore, arguing that similar issues exist across the Indo Pacific

“In Asia, security has rested disproportionately on American military power, while many of our allies and partners allowed their own defense capabilities to atrophy,” he said.

However, Hegseth praised several nations that have significantly increased military spending and modernization efforts.