Trump's troop pullback plan sparks congressional backlash

• Planned troop withdrawal: Donald Trump is considering reducing the number of American soldiers in Europe, which could impact Poland and Romania.
• Congress opposition: An influential House Armed Services Committee is opposing these plans, highlighting their potential negative consequences.
• NATO security: The reduction of US troops in Europe could be perceived as a weakening of the United States' commitment to defending its allies.

Donald Trump is considering withdrawing some American soldiers from Europe, which could impact Poland and Romania. Approximately 80,000 American soldiers are stationed in Europe, and the planned reduction would affect half of them. - Reducing American forces in Europe would be 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 reducing the number of American soldiers in Europe and any potential withdrawal of the US from commanding NATO formations on the continent.

- U.S. leadership in NATO is essential to ensure armed American forces, including our nuclear weapons, always remain under U.S. command - emphasises Rogers. The committee fears that withdrawing troops would weaken transatlantic relations.

A reduction in the number of American troops stationed in Europe might be interpreted as a diminishing of the United States' dedication to protecting its allies. Western intelligence agencies caution that, should Russia no longer be burdened by the conflict in Ukraine, it could be capable of launching an attack against an Atlantic nation within the next five years. Meanwhile, the influential House Armed Services Committee underscores the importance of maintaining a US military presence in Europe, highlighting its essential role in ensuring NATO’s security.