1 day ago
Last Updated:March 31, 2025, 21:44 IST
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been urging European allies to boost their defense spending.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive for a joint news conference after their meeting in Helsinki. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)
A leaked Pentagon document has indicated that the United States might not aid Europe in the event of a Russian attack. The confidential guidance from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reveals that the Trump administration is unlikely to offer significant support to Europe if Russia advances, as reported by the Washington Post.
The ‘Interim Defense Strategic Guidance’ states that while the U.S. would back Europe with its nuclear deterrence capabilities, European allies could only rely on troops not already assigned to homeland defense or deterring China.
This disclosure aligns with recent statements from Hegseth and other senior officials urging European allies to bolster their own defense spending and reduce dependence on the US.
The document stresses the necessity of refocusing military efforts on China, highlighting concerns over a potential conflict in the Pacific, particularly regarding Taiwan, which holds significant geostrategic and manufacturing value.
Former President Joe Biden had pledged to defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese invasion, a stance Trump recently indicated he would not support, arguing that Taiwan offers no substantial benefit to the US.
Despite NATO commitments requiring mutual defense among members, which have only been invoked by the US. after 9/11, the document underscores a shift in the Trump administration’s focus towards China and away from other regions.
The Washington Post noted the document’s similarities with previous texts from the Heritage Foundation, pointing out nearly identical passages to those published by the think tank last year.
Although Trump distanced himself from Heritage’s Project 2025 manifesto during his campaign, the report suggests notable resemblances between the guidance and a 2024 Heritage report.
The document consolidates the administration’s strategy to press allies in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia to increase their defense spending and lessen reliance on the US.
Consequently, America’s allies will be encouraged to take the lead in deterring aggression from Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Hegseth emphasized that China is the Department’s primary pacing threat, with the prevention of a Chinese takeover of Taiwan and the defense of the US homeland being the top priorities.
Furthermore, the Pentagon is expected to deprioritize efforts against militant groups in the Middle East and Africa that, while locally destabilizing, are not conducting international attacks.
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:March 31, 2025, 21:44 IST
News world Will Trump’s America Be A Fence-sitter If Putin Attacks Europe? Pentagon Leak Suggests...
