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Washington rewrites role in NATO, two commands pass into European hands
The United States has begun a gradual withdrawal from its leadership role in NATO, signaling a profound strategic shift in how Washington views the Euro-Atlantic alliance. The latest step in this direction is the decision to hand over two of NATO's major commands, the one in Naples and the one in Norfolk, to European officers, ending a decades-long tradition of these posts being headed by American military personnel.
This decision does not represent a formal US exit from NATO, but a functional and controlled withdrawal from the alliance’s leadership, in line with President Donald Trump’s vision of a “European-led NATO.” His administration has been clear in demanding that European countries bear a greater financial, political and military burden for their continent’s security, reducing structural dependence on Washington.
The transfer of the Naples and Norfolk commands carries both symbolic and practical weight. Naples plays a key role in the Mediterranean and NATO's southern flank, while Norfolk is essential to transatlantic security and the supply lines between North America and Europe. The handover of these posts signals that the US is entrusting Europe with the leadership of strategic theaters it previously considered essential to its own interests.
At the same time, Washington has chosen to retain control over three important operational commands – air, naval, and land – showing that this withdrawal is selective and calculated. The US is not abandoning NATO, but is reshaping its role, moving from absolute leader to guarantor and strategic supporter.
This trend is not an isolated case, but is closely linked to President Trump’s consistent criticism of NATO and the way the US contributes to Euro-Atlantic security. Trump has argued that NATO “costs the US too much” and that European countries should cover more of their defense costs, charging that Washington bears the main burden of collective security.
Trump and those close to his administration have used tough rhetoric about burden-sharing, suggesting that the United States could reconsider its commitment if allies fail to meet spending targets, even implying that it will not be involved in protecting those who do not contribute enough.
This context explains why the transfer of commands is not just a technical administrative issue, but a broader political and strategic signal: the American stance is evolving towards a form where Europe is expected to become the main bearer of its security, while the US aims to maintain its role in specific operational commands, but without direct dominance. /Pamphlet
“ kjo tërheqje është selektive dhe e kalkuluar. SHBA nuk po braktis NATO-n, por po riformulon rolin e saj, duke kaluar nga drejtues absolut në garant dhe mbështetës strategjik.” Europa duhet ti jetë mirënjohëse SHBAsë për këtë rritje roli në mbrojtjen e vetes.