Summary
Leaked messages reveal harsh anti-Europe sentiments within the Trump administration.
JD Vance opposed a strike on Yemeni Houthis, arguing it would benefit Europe more than the U.S., while Pete Hegseth criticized European “free-loading.”
A compromise allowed the strike to proceed, with plans to bill Europe for costs.
The leak highlights frustration with European military reliance and echoes Trump’s public stance.
European leaders, including former Belgian PM Guy Verhofstadt, called for stronger EU defense in response to the revelations.
As far as I’m aware, the Houthis are a mercenary group financed by Iran and possible other enemies of the US. They have largely only attacked US vessels, since the US is targeted here. In other words, Europeans were not that affected by it although most other merchant vessels started to avoid the Suez route out of caution. One call from the EU to Iran, and their ships would be completely safe. This is not done because it would undermine the US-European defense posture, aka it would “sell out” Americans. But at this point, who cares.
If idiot Vance wants to “bill” Europe for strikes they neither agreed to, or requested, or even knew about, he will find himself out of luck.