US Asks NATO Allies About Support for Trump Policies Amid Troop Review

The United States is requesting NATO allies provide details on their defense spending and public backing for President Donald Trump's foreign policy as part of a review of American military presence in Europe, according to Bloomberg News.

A questionnaire sent to alliance members asks whether governments have been "publicly supportive" Of U.S. Foreign policy, imposed restrictions on American military use of their bases, purchased equipment from U.S. Defense contractors, or opposed European "preference" Rules favoring local firms over American ones.

The document references restrictions some allies placed on U.S. Operations in the Middle East, including limits on base use for strikes related to the conflict with Iran, and asks whether those restrictions could be reduced or eliminated. It also inquires about alignment with the Trump administration's approach, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described as "strong, clear, and quiet."

The questionnaire is part of a six-month U.S. Review of its forces and wartime capabilities in Europe expected to conclude by December. Allies anticipate possible significant reductions in American troops and equipment designated for NATO contingencies.

People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that some allies view the questions as linking continued U.S. Security guarantees to political loyalty - a departure from the traditional NATO model where collective defense has been maintained despite political differences among members.

A NATO official confirmed U.S. Coordination with allies on the review but declined to comment on the questionnaire. The document was first shared in Washington before circulating this week at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where further discussions on the review are planned later this month.

The review follows U.S. Moves including plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany and reductions in certain combat units and wartime reinforcement assets in Europe, while pledging additional forces to Poland.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has described regular reviews of alliance force posture as "wise," Citing rising European and Canadian defense spending.

The questionnaire also examines compliance with higher defense-spending targets and whether allies are willing to speak against procurement policies limiting contracts with American companies.