US shifts Europe security role amid Signalgate controversy
During a speech in Pennsylvania, Peter Hegseth stated that the time when the United States served as the sole guarantor of Europe's security is over.
What do you need to know?
- Change in US policy: US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, announced that the United States will no longer be the sole guarantor of Europe's security. Europe must increase its military engagement.
- Hegseth's criticism: Hegseth faced criticism after leaking classified information in a group chat, causing a media storm known as Signalgate.
- Support for Hegseth: Despite the controversy, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressed full confidence in the Secretary of Defense.
The US Secretary of Defense delivered a speech on Wednesday at the United States Army War College in Pennsylvania, stressing that the days of relying solely on past arrangements are long gone. He urged Europe to step up its military efforts and take a leading role within NATO.
He explained that "America first" does not imply America acting alone, but rather expecting allies to contribute and serve as true force multipliers in the pursuit of freedom. This strategy, he noted, is aimed at achieving peace through strength.
Hegseth simultaneously reaffirmed the security guarantees for Israel and emphasized that allocating two, three, or even four percent of GDP to defense spending is insufficient.
The head of the Pentagon also addressed the situation involving the Houthis, stating that the United States demonstrated its commitment and resolve by restoring freedom of navigation that had been threatened by their actions. He noted that the U.S. carried out a precise and limited mission with determination.
Controversies surrounding Hegseth
The White House has begun searching for a candidate to replace Pete Hegseth as defence secretary, reported NPR, citing a source. The head of the Pentagon faced criticism after media reports that he shared classified information on a group chat.
Reports of searching for Hegseth's successor emerged in the media space after another instalment of the so-called Signalgate.
As the "New York Times" wrote on Sunday, the head of the Pentagon posted plans for strikes on Houthi militants in Yemen in two group chats on the Signal messenger. Among the participants in the group were his wife, brother, and personal attorney.
The information provided by the head of the Pentagon was - according to media reports -similar to that shared in another disclosed chat, with the accidental involvement of the editor-in-chief of "The Atlantic" weekly. Hegseth posted the schedule of the first wave of strikes in Yemen two hours before these attacks were carried out.
Donald Trump, however, assured that he does not intend to dismiss Hegseth.
"I have 100 percent confidence in the secretary. I know the president does, and really, the entire team does," Vice President JD Vance assured on Wednesday. "Pete Hegseth as a man as the secretary of Defense, I think he’s doing a great job," he added.
