The Voice News: U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich as the next commander of U.S. forces in Europe and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) of NATO. Traditionally, this position has been held by an American general since the end of World War II, according to British news agency Reuters.
The Trump administration’s decision is being seen as a reassuring move for European allies, especially since Trump has been pressuring Europe in recent months to increase its own defense spending. This pressure had raised concerns about the future role of the U.S. within NATO.
Grynkewich’s appointment will require approval from the U.S. Senate. He is currently serving as the Director for Operations of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
He will replace General Christopher Cavoli, who assumed NATO command following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Cavoli oversaw billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine.
Since the beginning of Trump’s term, his administration has urged NATO member states to raise their defense expenditures. Although the current target is set at 2% of GDP, Trump has proposed raising this target to 5%. So far, no country—including the U.S.—has met that goal.
At a conference at NATO headquarters, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “Based on what I heard in this morning’s meeting, I’m optimistic. Many countries have already exceeded the 2% target, and we’re nearing consensus on the 5% goal.”
The position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe was first held in 1951 by U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower. While largely symbolic, this role carries immense strategic significance, especially in the post-Ukraine war era as NATO undergoes a reorganization of its collective defense strategy.