Senior commander cautions, potentially opposing Pentagon views, that US forces ought to remain in Europe
His remarks come in the wake of reports indicating that the Defense Department may be contemplating the removal of thousands of servicemembers from the continent.
TroibNews 
Republican lawmakers, along with the commander of U.S. forces in Europe, voiced their opposition on Tuesday to a potential plan by the Trump administration to withdraw troops from the continent.
Gen. Christopher Cavoli, head of U.S. European Command, informed the House Armed Services Committee that he has "consistently recommended" maintaining troop levels since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He emphasized, "It's my advice to maintain that force posture as it is now."
His remarks were echoed by several influential Republicans, following reports that the Pentagon is considering a reduction of up to 10,000 troops stationed in Eastern Europe. This situation highlighted the growing public discord between the Trump administration and GOP defense advocates regarding the military's commitments overseas.
House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers expressed his disapproval of the idea to scale back the U.S. military presence in Europe, including the possibility of the U.S. relinquishing command of NATO forces. He accused "some at DOD" of attempting to redirect military resources away from Europe at the expense of national security, while acknowledging President Trump for pressuring NATO allies to increase their defense spending and for recognizing that it is "time to stop the bloodshed" in Ukraine.
Rogers questioned Katherine Thompson, the Pentagon's acting assistant secretary for international security affairs, about the Department of Defense's stance on maintaining U.S. troops in Europe. Thompson did not provide a definitive answer, referring instead to a current Pentagon review.
"The department right now is undergoing a global force posture review,” she stated. “No decisions have been made at this time."
Rogers found this response unsatisfactory, having previously warned the Pentagon against significant changes in its European strategy.
"You should be focused on maintaining the surge posture that we've had in Europe since the conflict started," the Alabama Republican remarked, alluding to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Similarly, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska expressed apprehensions about troop reductions, stating, "It would be a grave mistake to pull forces out of Europe right now. This is a time to deter Russia, and I think withdrawing forces is a sign of weakness."
Cavoli had also indicated during a Senate testimony last week that it would be “problematic” for the U.S. to withdraw from its leadership position in commanding NATO forces in Europe.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
Gen. Christopher Cavoli, head of U.S. European Command, informed the House Armed Services Committee that he has "consistently recommended" maintaining troop levels since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He emphasized, "It's my advice to maintain that force posture as it is now."
His remarks were echoed by several influential Republicans, following reports that the Pentagon is considering a reduction of up to 10,000 troops stationed in Eastern Europe. This situation highlighted the growing public discord between the Trump administration and GOP defense advocates regarding the military's commitments overseas.
House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers expressed his disapproval of the idea to scale back the U.S. military presence in Europe, including the possibility of the U.S. relinquishing command of NATO forces. He accused "some at DOD" of attempting to redirect military resources away from Europe at the expense of national security, while acknowledging President Trump for pressuring NATO allies to increase their defense spending and for recognizing that it is "time to stop the bloodshed" in Ukraine.
Rogers questioned Katherine Thompson, the Pentagon's acting assistant secretary for international security affairs, about the Department of Defense's stance on maintaining U.S. troops in Europe. Thompson did not provide a definitive answer, referring instead to a current Pentagon review.
"The department right now is undergoing a global force posture review,” she stated. “No decisions have been made at this time."
Rogers found this response unsatisfactory, having previously warned the Pentagon against significant changes in its European strategy.
"You should be focused on maintaining the surge posture that we've had in Europe since the conflict started," the Alabama Republican remarked, alluding to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Similarly, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska expressed apprehensions about troop reductions, stating, "It would be a grave mistake to pull forces out of Europe right now. This is a time to deter Russia, and I think withdrawing forces is a sign of weakness."
Cavoli had also indicated during a Senate testimony last week that it would be “problematic” for the U.S. to withdraw from its leadership position in commanding NATO forces in Europe.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
