Exclusive-America's next top general in Europe will also lead NATO forces, officials say

FILE PHOTO: NATO and U.S. flags are set on the table as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte meet at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 24, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -President Donald Trump will maintain the traditional role of a U.S. general at the helm of NATO, at least for now, three U.S. officials, a Western official and a NATO source said, even as Washington pushes European allies to take more responsibility for their security.

Trump himself privately communicated the decision to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the Western official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.