Leaked War Chat Deepens U.S.–Europe Rift
A leaked Signal group chat among top White House officials—originally meant to discuss U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen—has ignited tensions with European allies, after disparaging remarks about Europe’s role in global security came to light.
On March 26, The Atlantic published the full transcript of the private chat, where National Security Advisor Mike Waltz had inadvertently added the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. The group, named "Houthi PC small group," included 18 senior U.S. officials, such as Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In one message, VP Vance questioned why the U.S. should take the lead on military operations that primarily benefit Europe. “Only 3% of U.S. trade goes through the Suez Canal—Europe has 40%. The public won’t understand why we’re doing this,” Vance wrote. “I just hate bailing out Europe again.”
Defense Secretary Hegseth replied, “Totally get the resentment. The Europeans freeload. It’s pathetic.” He added, however, “We’re the only ones on the planet who can actually do this.”
The conversation reflects growing skepticism within the Trump administration about the U.S.–Europe alliance, and reinforced the perception in Europe that the relationship is under strain.
Atlantic Alliance Under Pressure
“This isn’t the same transatlantic relationship anymore,” said Nathalie Tocci, director of Italy’s Institute of International Affairs. “At best, it’s indifference. At worst, it’s a calculated effort to weaken Europe.”
Vice President Vance has previously drawn criticism for his remarks at the Munich Security Conference in February, where he accused Europe of internal decay and called for the U.S. to take a harder line.
President Trump has also intensified his rhetoric, threatening new tariffs—most recently a proposed 25% levy on all non-U.S. car imports—and publicly suggesting the U.S. could reconsider its NATO obligations if Europe doesn't increase defense spending.
European Leaders React
Leaked chat messages have reportedly shocked European officials, some of whom were already bracing for strained relations. “This shows their real attitude,” one EU diplomat told Politico. “It explains the cold shoulder we’ve been getting.”
In the chat, Waltz downplayed Europe’s military capability, saying only the U.S. could successfully conduct strikes on Houthi targets. Others in the group even floated the idea of billing Europe for the cost of the strikes.
But European leaders say no such request for airstrikes was made. “The EU didn’t ask for this operation—we were simply informed,” said one official.
Push for Strategic Autonomy
With confidence shaken, several European leaders are urging greater defense independence. “This is a wake-up call,” said Christel Schaldemose, a Danish member of the European Parliament. “Let’s stop talking to each other like adversaries.”
Brando Benifei, an Italian MEP, warned that the erosion of public trust on both sides of the Atlantic is even more dangerous. “Transatlantic public perception is deteriorating rapidly,” he told The Washington Post. “It’s not just the politicians anymore—it’s the people.”
As the European Parliament prepares to send a delegation to Washington in April, leaders say they’re committed to cooperation—but will accelerate their push for military self-reliance in the face of uncertainty about America’s commitment.
(Reporting by The Washington Post, Politico, BBC)
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