Pentagon quizzes NATO allies on political loyalty, documents reveal

The Pentagon has issued a questionnaire to NATO allies, seeking to gauge their political loyalty and adherence to U.S. foreign policy priorities under President Donald Trump. Documents obtained by Al Jazeera reveal a series of pointed questions designed to guide interactions during a six-month review of American forces in Europe.

The questionnaire, titled “Questions for NATO Allies & Other Key Stakeholders,” asks allies if they have been “publicly supportive of US foreign policy priorities” and if they have shown alignment with the U.S. approach to be “strong, clear, and quiet.” This phrase was notably used by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a May address.

“

Has the country shown alignment with the US approach to [be] ‘strong, clear, and quiet?'

Further questions delve into whether allies have placed restrictions on U.S. access to bases and military flights, an issue that has become a point of contention amid the U.S.-Iran war. The document specifically asks if countries are willing to reduce or eliminate such restrictions, referencing European nations that imposed limitations after the conflict began on February 28.

“

Are they willing to reduce or eliminate any such restrictions?

Experts suggest the document reflects an effort by the Trump administration to involve allies in unilateral U.S. military operations, a move that blurs the lines between NATO's collective defense mandate and broader U.S. foreign policy objectives. One senior defense official from a NATO ally, speaking anonymously, stated, “This administration has been confusing NATO topics with unilateral US military operations. This questionnaire also reflects this confusion. NATO has nothing to do with the Middle East.”

The questionnaire also probes allies' endorsement of the “NATO 3.0” concept, which advocates for European allies to assume greater defense responsibilities with reduced U.S. support. It echoes Trump's consistent demands for increased defense spending and contributions to NATO's command and forces. Some countries, like Spain, have already faced criticism for seeking exemptions from agreed-upon military spending increases.

“

This administration has been confusing NATO topics with unilateral US military operations. This questionnaire also reflects this confusion. NATO has nothing to do with the Middle East.