Donald Trump could pull the US out of its historic role as Nato Supreme Allied Commander in Europe (SACEUR) under cost-saving measures being considered by the Pentagon. If adopted, the move would end 75 years of US military dominance in Europe which began with World War II hero and future president Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1950.
The plans, whch have emerged less than a week after the US President met with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte in Washington, may also spell the fiirst step to the US’ withdrawal from the alliance, senior US miliary figures have warned. While it is not certain how long the transition might take General Christopher G. Cavoli, the current holder of the role, is on a three-year posting which is due to end this summer.
This would leave the position open to Britain, which often occupies the role of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) – currently held by Admiral Sir Keith Edward Blount.
While cost-cutting is said to be the primary motive, the proposals also chime with calls by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for European partners to take more responsibility for Europe’s defence.
Gen Cavoli, who is also the head of US European Command, is de facto primary commander overseeing support to Ukraine in its war against Russia, a role which might be viewed as increasingly complicated under US President Donald Trump’s political shift over European security.
Though a Congressional bill brought by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio means that no US President can unilaterally withdraw from Nato, President Trump might consider he has free rein to take a back seat in the alliance.
However, it isn’t certain whether he can avoid Congressional scrutiny over these plans, which would almost certainy result in a veto.
The idea was criticised by Admiral James Stavridis, who served as SACEUR and head of European Command from 2009 to 2013.
“For the United States to give up the role of supreme allied commander of NATO would be seen in Europe as a significant signal of walking away from the alliance,” he told NBC.
“It would be a political mistake of epic proportions, and once we give it up they are not going to give it back.
“We would lose an enormous amount of influence within NATO, and this would be seen, correctly, as probably the first step toward leaving the Alliance altogether.”
The proposed restructuring comes as the Trump administration cuts spending and staff across the federal government.
Five of the US military’s 11 combatant commands could be consolidated under the plan being discussed, according to defence sources.
This may include the merging of US European and US Africa Commands into a single command based in Stuttgart, Germany
However, all of the changes being considered will only save the US some £200m in the first year – around 0.03% of the Defense Department’s £650 billion annual budget.
