International • May 30, 6:35 PM • Modified on May 30, 6:35 PM
'Top American general in Europe also leader of NATO troops'
Author : BNR Web Editors
US President Donald Trump will retain the traditional role of an American general at the head of NATO, three American officials told Reuters. The decision was reportedly passed on to Secretary General Mark Rutte by Trump himself. The Pentagon, the White House and NATO do not want to confirm the story for the time being, the announcement is expected in the coming days.

The news is notable because European NATO allies have previously been pressured by Washington to take more responsibility for their own security. Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has pressured Europe to invest more in defense.

In addition, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance have been very critical of Europe, leading analysts to fear that the US could withdraw from NATO. According to Reuters, that fear has now been tempered.

Troop reduction
US President Donald Trump will retain the traditional role of an American general at the head of NATO, three US officials told Reuters. The decision was reportedly passed on to Secretary General Mark Rutte by Trump himself.
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Officials stress that the US warnings to European countries remain serious. Although no final decisions have been made, possible troop reductions in Europe have been discussed within the administration. Some 80,000 US troops are currently stationed there.

The position of SACEUR, which oversees all NATO operations in Europe, has been held by an American general since its creation after World War II. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first in 1951.

Lieutenant General Grynkewich
The likely US candidate for both the posts of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and the head of US European Command (EUCOM) is Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, US officials said.

Grynkewich is currently director of operations on the U.S. Army Joint Staff. He succeeds Gen. Christopher Cavoli, who has served in the role since shortly after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and has been involved in overseeing billions of dollars in U.S. security assistance to Kyiv.