Defence Minister Chris Penk was in the audience as Hegseth made the critical comments.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is not spending enough on defence, shortly after stating that the days of the "US subsidising wealthy nations is over".

Defence Minister Chris Penk was in the audience as Hegseth made the critical comments.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to European allies regarding defense spending. He stated that nations failing to increase their military budgets…

Giving a speech in Singapore, the US Defence Secretary chided allies for relying on America for defence and protection, saying the free ride was over.