The government of Donald Trump deepened its strategy of reducing military presence in Europe after the Pentagon canceled the deployment of nearly 4,000 U.S. soldiers who were to be sent to Poland as part of the usual NATO force rotation. The measure raised concerns among European allies and once again exposed the growing tensions between Washington and various governments on the continent.
The decision affects the Second Armored Brigade Combat Team of the First Cavalry Division, a unit based at Fort Hood, Texas, which had already begun preparations to move to Europe. Part of the contingent was even in transit when the Pentagon suspended the operation.
U.S. officials explained that the measure is part of a broader review of the U.S. military presence in Europe directly driven by Trump, who has long argued that European allies rely excessively on American military power without taking on enough responsibilities for defense.
Trump publicly defended the military withdrawal and stated that Europe must “learn to defend itself.” The U.S. president believes that for decades the United States has borne the main cost of European security while many NATO members have not even met the minimum military spending targets.
