President Donald Trump will uphold the longstanding tradition of appointing a U.S. general to lead NATO forces in Europe, calming fears of a transatlantic rupture as his administration intensifies calls for greater European defense contributions.

Three U.S. officials told Reuters that Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich is expected to be nominated as both the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and head of U.S. European Command (EUCOM), replacing Army General Christopher Cavoli.

Grynkewich currently serves as operations director on the U.S. military’s Joint Staff. His nomination is expected in the coming days.

Transatlantic Continuity Amid Strategic Pressure

Despite prior speculation that Trump might end the exclusive U.S. leadership of SACEUR—a role held by an American since 1951—he personally informed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that the status quo would remain.

The decision comes as a relief to NATO allies and Republican lawmakers who had raised alarms over a potential American withdrawal from NATO's command structure. Trump’s Pentagon chiefs previously clashed with him over his skepticism toward NATO, leading to the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis during Trump’s first term.

Europe Told to Shoulder More of Its Defense

Trump’s administration continues to press European allies to spend more and take greater responsibility for the continent’s defense. While keeping the SACEUR role, U.S. officials said they are still reviewing troop deployments in Europe, where approximately 80,000 American personnel are currently stationed.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced that message in Brussels earlier this year, declaring: “President Trump will not allow anyone to turn Uncle Sam into ‘Uncle Sucker.’”

Balancing Europe and Indo-Pacific Commitments

With rising threats in the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration has signaled a desire to shift more focus and resources toward Asia and U.S. homeland defense, though NATO remains a key pillar of U.S. global strategy. Trump had predicted he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, but now reportedly sees it as more complex than anticipated.