NATO conducts large-scale combat drills in Romania amid U.S. military shift under Trump

NATO is conducting its largest combat exercises of 2025 in Romania, involving about 10,000 troops from nine nations. The drills aim to enhance rapid deployment capabilities amid concerns over the U.S. military's commitment to Europe under President Trump. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called for increased military spending from allies, suggesting a shift in U.S. security priorities. This has raised doubts about America's traditional role as Europe's security guarantor, especially as NATO faces Russian aggression. The exercises include live-fire training and mock assaults, with participation from multiple countries. NATO's new Allied Reaction Force, established last year, aims to deploy quickly and combines conventional and advanced technologies.