General Wesley Clark on possible US withdrawal from NATO: Nothing would make Russia happier

Former NATO Supreme Commander Wesley Clark has praised a report that President Donald Trump's administration is considering drastically changing its military command structure, arguing that the potential decision would hinder military cooperation between the US and Europe and "appease" Russia.

"Nothing would make Russia happier," Clark said.

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It is learned that this statement comes as the Pentagon is considering a plan that would result in the US giving up its position as NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, writes the Hill, the Telegraph reports.

"US combat commands are the tip of the American combat spear. Therefore, we are deeply concerned about reports that claim that the Department of Defense is considering unilateral changes to key strategic issues, including significant reductions in US forces stationed abroad, a lack of coordination with the White House and Congress," said politician Mike Rogers.

A day later, former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell argued that if the administration were to act on the proposal, it would drastically weaken the NATO military alliance, in which the US has held its leading position for nearly 75 years.

"Weakening American leadership will not strengthen NATO or U.S. interests. If we are serious about encouraging more capable European allies, withdrawing from our position as leader of the transatlantic alliance would be a strange way to show it," McConnell said in a statement.

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Trump has previously criticized Europe's major military players for not spending enough money on defense and not contributing an adequate amount to NATO, a pact created in 1949.

The president called for the US to withdraw from the alliance during his first term in office. /Telegraph/