Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host tapped by President Trump as secretary of defence, has Washington insiders jittery. The British embassy in Washington is on high alert after Hegseth floated a “comprehensive review” of US troop levels in Europe. Sources close to the embassy confirm diplomats have been working the phones, desperate for clarity.
Hegseth’s comments came during a private dinner with Republican donors, where he reportedly questioned the value of maintaining 100,000 US troops across the continent. “Why are we paying for Europe’s defence?” he allegedly said. That line found its way back to London within hours.
The embassy’s response has been textbook damage control. A memo leaked to this desk shows officials flagging the review as a “potential existential threat to NATO cohesion”. One source described the mood as “panicked but professional”.
Hegseth’s appointment was already controversial. He has no military command experience, but he’s a loyalist with a knack for triggering liberal outrage. His nomination hearing was a circus. Now he’s threatening the post-war security architecture.
The review would assess whether US forces in Germany, Italy, and the UK are strategic assets or Cold War relics. Hegseth’s inner circle includes a cadre of isolationists who believe Europe should shoulder its own burdens. Britain, which hosts several key US air bases, would be hit hard.
Documents obtained by this journalist show the embassy has prepared talking points emphasising “shared sacrifice”. But privately, officials admit they have little leverage. Trump’s first term saw him bully allies over defence spending. Hegseth seems intent on finishing the job.
The question is whether Congress will push back. Key Republican senators have expressed support for Hegseth, but they also represent districts with defence-sector jobs. If he moves to shrink the US footprint, expect a revolt from both parties.
Hegseth’s office did not respond to repeated requests for comment. But a Pentagon insider confirmed the review is “moving ahead”. No timeline has been set. That does nothing to calm nerves in London.
The British foreign office is playing it cool. A spokesperson said the UK “remains fully committed to NATO” and expects “close consultation” with Washington. Translation: We’re terrified.
This is a developing story. But the pattern is clear: Hegseth is a wrecking ball. And the embassy’s frantic calls suggest they know it.
