UK and US Defense Secretaries Hold First Conversation Since Trump Took Office | Trump News

Pete Hegseth, the recently appointed US Secretary of Defense, held a phone conversation with his British counterpart, John Healey, on Friday, marking their first discussion since assuming office, according to Sky News.

Two sources have confirmed that the call took place.

The details of their conversation remain undisclosed.

The UK government is optimistic about maintaining its special military relationship with the US, which is a key element of its national security. Additionally, the US plays a pivotal role within the NATO alliance and is essential in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.

However, defence expenditure and the reduced capacity of the UK armed forces may present potential friction points between Britain and the new US administration.

Donald Trump has expressed his belief that NATO allies should allocate at least 5% of their national income to military spending. As of now, Sir Keir Starmer’s government has not provided a timeline for when it anticipates increasing UK defence spending to 2.5% from its current level of approximately 2.3%.