The US administration is reportedly considering relinquishing its command of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). According to a report by the US network NBC, citing two officials familiar with the matter, the Pentagon is reviewing its structures and the idea of giving up the US command is being explored.
This move would have significant symbolic implications, as the United States has held the top command of NATO for nearly 75 years. It would signal a shift in the country’s relationship with its European allies, experts say.
“A withdrawal of US command would be a strong signal of disengagement in Europe” said former US General James Stavridis, who served as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe from 2009 to 2013. Stavridis believes that giving up the command would be a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences.
“It would be a political error of epic proportions that would be hard to correct” Stavridis said. “We would lose a significant amount of influence within NATO and this would likely be seen as the first step towards a complete withdrawal from the alliance.”
The consideration comes at a time when the US is re-evaluating its budget and has been pressing its NATO partners for more financial commitment. The US president has also hinted that the Article 5 collective defense clause, the central mechanism of the alliance, is not automatic and that the US would not necessarily come to the aid of its allies in all circumstances.
The US Defense Ministry has not commented on the media report.