The Trump administration’s widening split with European allies and suggestions of dialing back U.S. troop numbers have fueled European nervousness about how much the continent can still rely on the 80-year-old bargain with the United States that has underpinned its security since World War II.

In general Europeans are glumly conceding the Trump team has a point, at least on Ukraine and defense matters.

Several viral social media posts claim that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was drinking alcohol during a NATO press conference.

Trump Aide Hegseth Says Europe Can't Turn Uncle Sam into Uncle Sucker | Firstpost America | N18G US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth tore into European allies as he took the stage at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.

A post shared on X claims Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that it would take seven years to build the necessary ships to confront Russia. Verdict: False Hegeseth said that the U.S. should increase its shipbuilding pace and lower procurement from seven years to three years.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed senior Pentagon officials and military leaders to forge plans that would result in an 8 percent cut to the defense budget for each year over the next five years.

Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth has ordered the preparation of plans to cut the defense budget by 8% annually over five years, reports "The Washington Post." The newspaper notes that the cuts will affect,

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is directing Pentagon agencies and the military to cut their budgets by 8 percent as part of a dramatic realignment of defense spending to address priorities of President Donald Trump such as protecting the border and modernizing the nuclear force.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed senior Pentagon officials and military leaders to forge plans that would result in an 8 percent cut to the defense budget for each year over the next five years.