The U.S. plans to transfer the command of two major NATO headquarters to European officers as part of President Trump's initiative to enhance European responsibility for security.
The United States has announced its intention to transfer command of two key NATO headquarters in Europe from American officers to European officers. This strategic pivot, reported by military sources to Reuters, reflects President Donald Trump's broader agenda of reallocating responsibilities for European security back to European nations. The two headquarters in question are located in Naples, Italy, and Norfolk, Virginia, which play pivotal roles in NATO's joint operations.
Historically, these headquarters have been led by U.S. officers, but the decision signals a shift in NATO's operational command structure and highlights an increasing trust in European military leadership. With Trump's administration keen on reducing U.S. involvement and encouraging European allies to take more initiative, this move could be seen as a response to long-standing demands from NATO member states for a more significant role in managing regional security efforts.
Three lesser headquarters will remain under American command, which continue to oversee NATO's joint ground, air, and naval operations. This strategic adjustment could reshape NATO's collaborative dynamics and enhance the operational capabilities of European nations within the alliance, potentially leading to a more autonomous European defense posture in the future.
