Brussels:European NATO allies are expressing concern that U.S. President Donald Trump may increase pressure on the alliance following potential Republican losses in the upcoming midterm elections, as reported by Politico.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, five NATO diplomats, speaking anonymously, indicated that if congressional restraints affect Trump's domestic agenda, he might resort to a more assertive foreign policy. This could include withdrawing thousands more U.S. troops from Europe, with a review of American forces on the continent expected by December.

The report also suggests that Trump might consider reducing U.S. contributions to NATO's common funding, limiting the alliance-backed PURL arms-buying scheme for Ukraine, or strengthening ties with Russia. Oana Lungescu, a former NATO official, cautioned that linking U.S. military presence in Europe to a peace deal for Ukraine could pose risks to European security.

White House Assistant Press Secretary Olivia Wales defended Trump's NATO actions, noting that allies have agreed to increase defense spending and recognized Trump's efforts regarding Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Montenegrin Defense Minister Dragan Krapovic pointed out that previous concerns about U.S. withdrawal from NATO have not materialized and emphasized Congress' involvement in troop deployment decisions. Politico noted that neither NATO nor the Pentagon commented on the matter.