U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday said the Trump administration has no intention of withdrawing from NATO, reaffirming Washington's commitment to the alliance.
At the same time, he stressed the administration will press for what he called "significant changes", urging member states to boost defense spending as part of a broader push for a rebalanced transatlantic security partnership.
Speaking at a congressional hearing, Rubio said U.S. President Donald Trump plans to attend the NATO leaders' summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara, Türkiye, where he will outline Washington's position on NATO reform.
Meanwhile, the U.S. European Command said in a social media post on Wednesday that Pentagon officials have informed allies that Washington will adjust its contributions to NATO forces in accordance with burden-sharing requirements set out in the 2026 National Defense Strategy and the Defense Department's vision for "NATO 3.0."
NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of U.S. European Command Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said Washington has made clear that the alliance has become overly dependent on U.S. military forces, a situation that must change.
He said the planned adjustments are intended to ensure that NATO no longer relies excessively on U.S. capabilities. Given the possibility of simultaneous conflicts emerging in multiple theaters, such changes are necessary, he added.
At a NATO defense ministers' meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, in February this year, U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby said Washington seeks to advance "NATO 3.0" – an alliance built on "partnership, not dependency."
US seeks major NATO reforms, urges allies to boost defense spending
US seeks major NATO reforms, urges allies to boost defense spending
