The United States will be represented by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby at the upcoming NATO ministerial meeting, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will not attend. This marks the second occasion where senior U.S. officials have delegated attendance to deputies rather than attending themselves.
Colby, known for his isolationist views, will take part in discussions on behalf of the U.S. government. The decision reflects a continued pattern of high-level U.S. officials opting out of direct participation in key NATO gatherings.
**Why this matters**
NATO ministerial meetings are critical for coordinating defense policies among member states. The absence of the U.S. Defense Secretary and reliance on deputies may influence the dynamics of U.S. engagement and leadership within the alliance. This could affect the alliance’s strategic decision-making and the perception of U.S. commitment to NATO.
Source: News Source