The American president has repeatedly criticized the bloc, accusing its European members of not paying enough

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering giving up Washington's exclusive role in leading NATO's military command, NBC News has claimed, citing defense officials.

The outlet said Trump is exploring the possibility of relinquishing control of the office of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), which has been held by a US four-star general since the bloc's founding in 1949.

The SACEUR is tasked with overseeing NATO military operations in Europe. The position is currently held by Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, who has also been in charge of NATO's coordination of military assistance to Kiev throughout the Ukraine conflict. If the US does give up ownership of the role, it would likely be filled by one of NATO's European member states.

According to NBC, Trump weighing the move is part of a broader effort to restructure US military commands and reduce defense expenditures. The report states that his administration has been looking into cutting costs within the Department of Defense.

Over the years, Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO. Following his inauguration in January, he urged European bloc members to increase their defense spending and warned that the US would not be responsible for defending NATO countries that do not meet their financial obligations. 

Trump has also claimed that NATO's expansion and its outreach to Ukraine under former US President Joe Biden were among the factors that led to the current conflict.

Russia has consistently condemned NATO expansion towards its borders, describing the bloc as a threat to its national security. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have also repeatedly stressed that NATO's push to include Ukraine was one of the root causes behind the escalation of the conflict in 2022.

The NBC report did not specify whether Trump has made a final decision on relinquishing the SACEUR position, and the extent to which the proposal is under consideration remains unclear. The US Defense Department has also not commented.