U.S. officials’ text messages reveal frustrations over European allies “freeloading” during Yemen strikes planning. Vice-President J.D. Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth shared disdain for Europe’s reliance on U.S. military efforts, which preceded a series of attacks on Houthi militants.
Text messages exchanged between Vice-President J.D. Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed significant disdain for European allies during discussions of military actions against Houthi militants in Yemen. In these communications, Vance articulated frustrations regarding the perceived “freeloading” behavior of European nations, stating, “I just hate bailing Europe out again,” while advocating for measures to protect Saudi oil facilities.
Secretary Hegseth echoed his sentiments, saying, “I fully share your loathing of European freeloading,” calling the situation “PATHETIC.” These messages surfaced in an Atlantic magazine report, written by Jeffrey Goldberg, who inadvertently joined the text group of senior Trump administration officials planning the strikes.
The planning of these military actions highlights complex feelings among U.S. officials about their European partners. The U.S. response to the Houthi threat is part of a broader security concern affecting shipping routes in the Red Sea, and strikes were initiated shortly after these discussions.
The text conversations between U.S. officials underscore a sentiment of frustration regarding European contributions to joint military efforts. Vice-President Vance and Defence Secretary Hegseth clearly articulated their views on European allies’ reliance on U.S. military capabilities, emphasizing both a reluctance to support them and a pressing need to address security threats posed by the Houthi militants in Yemen.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
