European members of NATO are discreetly yet promptly establishing a defense framework intended to operate independently of US conventional leadership, highlighted by the recent summit in Ankara, which underscores that reliance on American support is no longer assured. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Europe's priorities have shifted from accommodating the Trump administration to facilitating a seamless transition towards a defense structure led by Europe. An examination of US strategic commitments indicates that seven American states, characterized by their substantial NATO-related defense industry workforce, military base presence, and forward-deployed partnerships, are most vulnerable to significant security and economic challenges should the transatlantic relationship deteriorate further.
