Hegseth blasts NATO allies over defense spending at summit

Hegseth calls NATO a 'paper tiger,' orders review of US forces in Europe at Brussels summit

The AustralianDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a NATO summit in Brussels to blast European allies over defense spending shortfalls, labeling the alliance a 'paper tiger' and announcing a formal review of US troop deployments in Europe. Hegseth accused allies of prioritizing liberal ideals over military readiness. The Daily Mail noted Britain's defense minister arrived 'empty-handed,' and Hegseth called allied spending levels 'shameful.' The review could presage a significant realignment of American military commitments to the continent.