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US President Donald Trump will maintain the traditional role of an American general leading NATO, according to three US officials speaking to Reuters. The decision was reportedly communicated by Trump himself to Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The Pentagon, the White House, and NATO have yet to confirm the story, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
This development is notable as European NATO allies have previously been pressured by Washington to take more responsibility for their own security. Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has urged Europe to increase defense spending.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President J.D. Vance have also been highly critical of Europe, leading analysts to fear a potential US withdrawal from NATO. Reuters suggests these fears may now be alleviated.
Officials emphasize that US warnings to European nations remain serious. While no final decisions have been made, discussions within the administration have included possible troop reductions in Europe, where around 80,000 US military personnel are currently stationed.
The position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), overseeing all NATO operations in Europe, has been held by an American general since its establishment after World War II. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first in 1951.
The likely American candidate for both SACEUR and head of US European Command (EUCOM) is Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich of the Air Force, according to US officials. Grynkewich currently serves as Director of Operations at the US Army's Joint Staff and will succeed General Christopher Cavoli, who has held the role since shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
