Trump's European troop cut plan faces fierce congressional pushback

• Planned troop withdrawal: Donald Trump is considering reducing the number of American soldiers in Europe, which could particularly affect Poland and Romania.
• Congress opposition: An influential House Armed Services Committee opposes these plans, highlighting their potential negative impacts.
• NATO security: Reducing U.S. troops in Europe might be perceived as a weakening of the United States' commitment to defending its allies.

Donald Trump is considering withdrawing some American soldiers from Europe, potentially impacting Poland and Romania. Approximately 80,000 American soldiers are stationed in Europe, and the planned reduction would cover half of them. Reducing American forces in Europe would send a disastrous signal to Moscow, warns General Chris Cavoli, the commander of NATO forces in Europe.

The influential House Armed Services Committee, led by Chairman Michael Rogers, strongly opposes Trump's plans. The congressman firmly rejected the possibility of reducing the number of American soldiers in Europe and any potential withdrawal of the U.S. from commanding NATO formations on the continent.

Maintaining American command is crucial for keeping our nuclear forces under U.S. control at all times, emphasizes Rogers. The committee fears that withdrawing troops would weaken transatlantic relations.

A decrease in American forces stationed in Europe might be perceived as a sign that the United States is less committed to safeguarding its allies. Western intelligence agencies have raised concerns that, should Russia no longer be encumbered by the conflict in Ukraine, it may have the capacity to target an Atlantic nation within the next five years. At the same time, the prominent House Armed Services Committee highlights the importance of keeping U.S. troops in Europe, underlining their essential role in preserving NATO’s security.