US to Trim Europe Footprint as NATO Eyes Europe-led Defense

The Pentagon will run a six-month review of U.S. troop levels in Europe to shrink the American footprint and push European allies to shoulder more of NATO’s defense burden, including cuts to fighter jets, drones, and warships activated for Europe; NATO is weighing which member states can fill gaps as Washington maintains tens of thousands of troops and nuclear assets in the region, while European leaders press for clarity and a faster shift toward Europe-led defense.