The article discusses the Trump administration's influence on NATO's strategy, particularly its desire to return the alliance to its original purpose of defense and deterrence. This strategy is characterized by a reduction in operations beyond NATO's borders, which the U.S. perceives as diluting the alliance's focus. It is suggested that these changes have raised concerns among European allies, particularly regarding U.S. military engagement in Iraq and potential implications for security in the Balkans, especially if the KFOR mission is concluded.

Additionally, the article highlights the U.S. opposition to certain NATO summit invitations in Ankara as a demonstration of this shift towards a more exclusive interpretation of NATO's role. The Trump administration's approach is seen as an effort to reclaim NATO as a Euro-Atlantic defense pact, a move that resonates with many of the administration's supporters who feel frustrated by past expansions of NATO’s activities into global crisis management and partnerships.

Overall, the article underscores a significant correction in U.S. foreign policy under Trump towards a narrower definition of security and defense, raising existential questions for NATO's future direction amidst growing critiques from its European allies about the change in focus.