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US reveals pick for Nato’s next supreme allied commander

The position of supreme allied commander, which oversees all Nato operations in Europe, has been filled by a US general since its creation after World War II

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Trump has also said he wants Nato allies to boost investment in defence to 5 per cent of gross domestic product, up from the current target of 2 per cent. Photo: Reuters
Reuters
US President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Thursday its nomination for the next top American general in Europe and said the US military officer would also assume the traditional role of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (Saceur).
Trump’s decision to nominate US Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich to both roles, which was first reported by Reuters, will relieve European Nato allies and even some of Trump’s fellow Republicans amid concerns about a retrenchment in American military leadership of Nato.

Grynkewich must be confirmed by the US Senate.

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The position of Saceur, which oversees all Nato operations in Europe, has been filled by a US general since its creation after World War II. US Army General Dwight D. Eisenhower became the alliance’s first Saceur in 1951.

Still, since taking office in January, Trump’s administration has pressured Nato allies to ramp up their defence spending, saying Europe should be primarily responsible for defence on the European continent.

Then-Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, head of US Air Force Central, speaks at a news conference at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in September 2024. Photo: AP
Then-Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, head of US Air Force Central, speaks at a news conference at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in September 2024. Photo: AP

Trump has also said he wants Nato allies to boost investment in defence to 5 per cent of gross domestic product, up from the current target of 2 per cent.

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