Hoyer Statement on President Trump’s Suggestion that the U.S. Relinquish its Role as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after reports the Trump Administration is considering that the United States give up the role of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):

“First, I agree with the powerful statement from Senator Roger Wicker, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Rep. Mike Rogers, Chair of the House Armed Services Committee.

"When Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), he said: 'No lesser purpose, no warped nationalism, and above all, no aggressive or predatory design, should be allowed to turn us away from this noble enterprise.' That is what will happen, however, if Donald Trump follows through on his suggestion that America relinquish its role as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). 

"An American four-star military officer has always commanded NATO. Forfeiting that position would undercut not only America's influence within the alliance but also our national security and military power throughout the world. By considering such a drastic move as even an option, Trump puts America and our allies at a disadvantage in the global struggle between democracy and despotism.

"For years, Trump has vilified NATO and our other allies, while trying to curry favor with dictators. We must not let him. Republicans and Democrats alike need to condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms. When Trump questioned whether America would honor its Article V commitments under the NATO charter – as our allies did after the September 11th attacks – I introduced a bipartisan resolution with Speaker Paul Ryan, Leader Kevin McCarthy, and other Members from both parties reaffirming America's commitment to Article V. We need to see a similar effort now to show the world that America will never turn away from NATO's noble mission to protect democracy and preserve peace."