While the US continues to push European allies to take greater responsibility for their own security, three US officials, one Western official, and a NATO source have indicated that President Donald Trump will maintain the tradition of appointing an American general to lead NATO, at least for the time being.
According to a Reuters report, based on these sources, President Trump has personally communicated this decision to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Officials have stated that the most frequently mentioned name for appointment as the new Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of the US European Command (EUCOM) is Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich.
It is worth noting that the SACEUR position, which oversees all NATO operations in Europe, has always been held by an American general since the alliance’s creation after World War II.
Although there has been no official comment from the Pentagon, the White House, or NATO, Reuters reports that this decision is expected to reassure European NATO allies, as well as some of Trump’s fellow Republicans, who were concerned by Washington’s harsh rhetoric towards Europe, which was seen as a potential signal of a rapid withdrawal of US military leadership in Europe.
Officials have also emphasized that US warnings about the need for a shift in focus towards Asia and national security are sincere. It is reported that although no decision has yet been made, the Trump administration has discussed the possibility of reducing troops in Europe, where approximately 80,000 US soldiers are currently stationed.
Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has exerted significant pressure on European countries to increase defense spending, arguing that Europe should be responsible for its own defense. Meanwhile, discussions have taken place within the administration about the possibility of transferring the role of supreme commander to a European country in the future.
