U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s debut overseas made waves, irritating key Republicans and unsettling European allies. His remarks on Ukraine and NATO at NATO headquarters in Brussels—calling a return to pre-2014 borders unrealistic and dismissing Ukraine’s NATO membership—aligned with Trump’s America First stance.
Trump backed Hegseth’s comments, saying, “I thought his comments were good yesterday, and they’re probably good today.” However, some Republicans were critical. Senator Roger Wicker, a key supporter of Hegseth’s nomination, called the speech something “Tucker Carlson could have written.” Congressman Mike Turner argued NATO decisions shouldn’t be made in public, while Don Bacon stressed the need for moral clarity on Russia’s invasion.
Hegseth later clarified that Trump, as “the world’s best negotiator,” would decide the course on Ukraine. He also echoed Trump’s view that Europe takes advantage of U.S. military support, emphasizing that Trump “will not allow anyone to turn Uncle Sam into ‘Uncle Sucker.'”
European leaders were unimpressed. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called Hegseth’s comments a “mistake,” while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labeled them “appeasement” and warned that it “has never worked.”
Despite tensions, Trump downplayed the backlash, vowing to discuss the situation with both Hegseth and Wicker.
Also read: Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as Top U.S. Spy in Party-Line Vote
