Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgium’s military attaché to the U.S., Major General Frank Verbist, resigned this week after Pentagon concerns over his Belgian Military Journal article criticising Trump’s policies, confirmed by Defence Minister Theo Francken.
As VRT News reported, Belgium’s military representative in the United States, Major General Frank Verbist, has resigned after criticising former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies. The resignation was confirmed by the office of Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA).
Multiple sources say Verbist stepped down this week following a breach of trust with the Pentagon. He has been given several weeks to leave the country. The decision comes amid tensions between Belgian and U.S. military officials.
“His statements about President Donald Trump are being held against him.”
What led Belgium’s Gen. Verbist to resign over Trump critique?
The resignation is linked to an article Verbist wrote in the Belgian Military Journal, a monthly magazine published by the Belgian Armed Forces. The full article has not been made public online.
“The first six months of President Trump’s second term have been brutal and have undoubtedly ushered in a new chapter in international relations,”
the newsletter states.
“Brigadier General Bart Verbist explains in no uncertain terms how the United States has embarked on a clear course change under President Trump, both in domestic politics and foreign policy.”
According to the newsletter, this change of course is
“primarily characterised by chaos and unpredictability.” “It’s unclear whether the many changes are driven by a well-thought-out strategic vision or rather by a one-day policy, where Trump governs according to a 24-hour news cycle and constantly strives to grab the headlines.”
Sources indicate that the case has involved high-level Pentagon officials, including the team around U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. The situation highlights the delicate role of military representatives abroad. They must provide professional analysis while maintaining trust with allied countries.
Belgium has maintained a military attaché in Washington since at least the early years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, with Belgium’s defence missions to the United States forming a key part of trans‑Atlantic military cooperation through the 1950s, 1960s and beyond.
These roles evolved in the context of Belgium hosting major NATO institutions in Brussels and cooperating closely with Washington on European defence and security matters. Over time, the Belgian military mission in the U.S. has reflected Belgium’s broader strategy of engagement within NATO and its role as an ally in global operations.
Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
