US, Hegseth: ‘We want partners, not protectorates; the EU should take note’

Singapore, 30 May (LaPresse/AP) – “The era in which the US subsidised the defence of wealthy nations is over. We need partners, not protectorates. We seek alliances based on shared responsibility, not shared dependence.” This was stated by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth in Singapore. Hegseth emphasised the Trump administration’s insistence that allies increase their defence spending, stating: “We need partners, not protectorates.” “When our interests diverge, we adapt pragmatically, without drama or moralising,” he added. “I believe Western Europe could take note: it is a mindset we fully share.”