War Secretary Pete Hegseth had harsh words for NATO allies during an address to his European counterparts on Thursday, announcing a six-month review of US force deployment on the continent. Hegseth said the review’s outcome will depend on how quickly European nations act to support themselves militarily.

European Nations’ Lack of Support

Hegseth also lashed out at European countries for refusing to assist US forces in the war against Iran, particularly those that withheld use of military bases. He stated that these allies put America’s sons and daughters at risk by denying them predictable access, basing, and overflight that never should have been in question.

Hegseth then launched a more general critique of European policy, referencing migration and an emphasis on social policy over defense. Instead of focusing on defense, Europe has been preoccupied with gender equity and climate change, leading to defense austerity and open borders.

Germany’s Pledge to Increase Military Power

The wake-up call comes just days after Germany pledged to become a more powerful military force inside NATO. German Ambassador to the United States Jens Hanefeld told Fox News Digital that the country is ready to assume greater responsibility for European security after decades in which the United States carried much of the alliance’s military burden.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Germany’s armed forces should become the strongest conventional army in Europe, a goal Hanefeld said is now backed by Berlin’s new military strategy. Germany is stepping up to become Europe’s strongest conventional army, well-anchored in the NATO alliance, and is committed to supporting Ukraine.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.