Politico reported five NATO diplomats feared a Republican loss of congressional control could lead President Donald Trump to adopt a harder stance toward the alliance in Tuesday’s midterms. Three raised the possibility of further U.S. troop cuts in Europe; diplomats also cited potential reductions in U.S. contributions to NATO’s common budget.
The diplomats also raised possible limits on the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which allies use to buy U.S. weapons for Ukraine, Politico reported. They spoke anonymously. The report said they saw a possible incentive for Trump to focus more on foreign policy if Democrats constrain his domestic agenda.
NATO says the U.S. review of its military presence in Europe remains underway. At an Aug. 27 briefing, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had described an assessment of U.S. forces in Europe that would consider the security situation and involve consultations with allies.
The congressional election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
