US Ambassador to NATO: US "not leaving" Europe

The US ambassador to NATO declared on Saturday that "Americans are not leaving" Europe or the alliance, allaying a concern that had caused panic across the continent.

Matthew Whitaker's comments on "POLITICO Pub” of the Munich Security Conference came just hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure worried European allies that Washington would not abandon them, especially by not removing tens of thousands of American troops.

U.S. officials have struck a more conciliatory tone this year at the annual security conference, as the transatlantic alliance faces its most strained relationship in seven decades. The softer statements are a far cry from the harsh rhetoric of Vice President J.D. Vance last year, who criticized the continent's values.

However, Whitaker stressed the need for Europeans to take more responsibility for their own defense.

“We need Europe, which is made up of very wealthy and very successful countries, to take on conventional defense,” he said. “That allows the United States to deal with other challenges and threats together with our allies in those regions.”

Donald Trump's administration has expressed skepticism about the strength and need for the NATO alliance. The US president has repeatedly criticized members' spending, support for Ukraine and commitment to their defense.

But criticism has softened in recent weeks, with US officials telling European counterparts that the 80 US troops on the continent will largely remain in their current positions.

However, Europe remains insecure. European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius is pushing for the creation of a joint EU military force of 100 troops to defend against any potential American withdrawal.