US Defense Secretary Emphasizes in Germany: Washington Will Not Abandon Its Allies

The US Secretary of Defense states that world leaders would be mistaken if they think Donald Trump's efforts to reassess the US military posture globally signify a retreat from Washington. Pete Hegseth spoke with reporters on Tuesday in Stuttgart, Germany, the headquarters of US European Command and US Africa Command. This was his first international trip since being sworn in last month. He said, 'We would be remiss if we did not review our military posture around the world, but it is a mistake to think that the US is abandoning anything or intends to withdraw.' The US Secretary of Defense added, 'The US is smart to [carefully] observe, plan, prioritize, and display its power where it is needed to deter conflict.' These remarks come ahead of important NATO defense ministers' meetings and the 'Ukraine Defense Contact Group' on Wednesday and Thursday in Brussels. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group includes nearly 50 countries committed to supporting Ukraine against Russia. US defense officials have indicated that Hegseth is expected to urge NATO allies to take on greater leadership roles in facing Europe's challenges and to increase their defense spending, a point the US Secretary of Defense emphasized in Germany. Hegseth stated, 'The European continent deserves to be free from any aggression.' However, he added that countries in the region must invest more in their own defense and collective defense. He said, 'This is simple logic.' The US Secretary of Defense stressed, 'You defend your neighborhood, and Americans will be there to help you in that defense.' However, it remains unclear whether the United States will maintain its extensive military presence across Europe. Pete Hegseth noted that Donald Trump's push for a 'quick peace agreement in Ukraine' could allow the US to focus its resources on countering the increasing threat from China in the Indo-Pacific region.