Key points
- For nearly 75 years, the position has been held by a US four-star general
- Pentagon, White House and NATO are yet to confirm the decision officially
- Trump personally informed NATO secretary of the decision: Reuters
ISLAMABAD: United States (US) President Donald Trump has decided to appoint the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), reaffirming a key American role in NATO’s military structure, Reuters reported on May 30, citing unnamed officials.
The decision marks a reversal of earlier speculation that the Trump administration was considering relinquishing the US military position, traditionally held by an American four-star general for nearly 75 years.
No official confirmation
According to Reuters, Trump personally informed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte of the decision, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
The Pentagon, the White House and NATO are yet to confirm the decision officially.
Scepticism about the war
The British news agency reported the decision will relieve European NATO allies and even some of Trump’s fellow Republicans amid concerns that Washington’s tough talk on Europe, and scepticism about the war in Ukraine, could signal a swift retrenchment in America’s military leadership.
Still, officials say US warnings that Trump’s administration needs to shift its focus to Asia and homeland security are sincere.
While no decisions have been made, Trump’s administration has discussed possible troop reductions in Europe, where about 80,000 US personnel are based today.
