BRUSSELS

Belgium’s defense attaché in Washington has resigned following US pressure over his criticism of President Donald Trump’s second-term policies, which he described as marked by “chaos and unpredictability,” Flemish daily De Morgen reported Thursday.

According to the report, multiple sources confirmed that Brig. Gen. Bart Verbist stepped down this week after what they called “a breach of trust” with the Pentagon. He has reportedly been given several weeks to leave the US.

"His statements about President Donald Trump are being held against him," one source told De Morgen.

The controversy stems from an article Verbist wrote for the Belgisch Militair Tijdschrift, a monthly publication of the Belgian armed forces. The online version of the text has since been removed, though a newsletter from the magazine still contains a summary.

In the newsletter, Verbist analyzes US domestic and foreign policy during the first six months of Trump's second term, arguing that the administration has embarked on a clear policy shift "primarily characterized by chaos and unpredictability.”

It adds that it is unclear whether the changes stem from a coherent strategy or "day-to-day politics, with Trump governing according to a 24-hour news cycle and constantly wanting to make the headlines."

A defense attaché represents the national military abroad and serves as a key liaison for training, procurement and security cooperation. Given Washington’s geopolitical importance, the posting is considered one of Belgium’s most prestigious foreign assignments.

A source described the removal of a defense attaché from a NATO ally as "very painful."

The development comes just weeks after Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken and top military officials concluded an economic mission to the US, and shortly after Belgium received its first F-35 fighter jets.

Francken said Brussels accepts Verbist’s decision to step down.

"The Defense Ministry is looking for a suitable position for him within the organization and will send another defense attaché to the United States as soon as possible to ensure continuity in bilateral relations,” he said.