On Monday, February 9, 2026, the American magazine Politico (on its Politico Pro platform) reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump intends to transfer control of two joint NATO commands to allied nations while assuming control over a third.
Image: US Department Of Defense
According to the sources, these moves are part of an effort by the U.S. administration to press Europeans to assume greater responsibility for the defense of the continent—amid questions about the long-term U.S. commitment to NATO under President Donald Trump.
Washington wants the United Kingdom to take control of NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC-NF) in Norfolk, Virginia, a person granted anonymity to speak freely told Politico. Italy, in turn, would assume command of Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFC-HQ) in Naples. Both commands are currently led by U.S. officers – Vice Adm. Douglas G. Perry and Adm. George M. Wikoff, respectively.
Meanwhile, the United States would take over NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) – the highest command authority for all NATO maritime forces – headquartered in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. MARCOM is currently commanded by Vice Adm. Robert Pedre of the British Royal Navy, according to two individuals familiar with the matter.
More notably, according to Politico, Germany and Poland would also assume control of Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands, the first source added. The command, currently led by German General Ingo Gerhartz, specializes in multinational forces, particularly those in Central and Eastern Europe.
According to initial comments, this forms part of a broader Trump policy outlined in the National Security Strategy of the United States (NSS 2025) and the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS 2026). The United States seeks a more “Europeanized” NATO in terms of burden-sharing for collective defense.
However, the U.S. is expected to retain key positions: Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), as well as the principal operational commands—Allied Air Command (AIRCOM), Allied Land Command (LANDCOM), and, following the proposed change, MARCOM.
According to Politico’s sources, the plan has been agreed at the Alliance level, but a final decision is pending, and no timeline has yet been established. The process could take several months.
UPDATE
On Tuesday, February 10, NATO confirmed the above information, stating that agreement had been reached on February 6.
It was added that the changes would be implemented gradually over the coming years, in line with the established personnel rotation schedule.