Senior Republican Lawmakers sharply Criticized the Trump (R) Administration on Wednesday, for its Decision to Scale Back U.S. Troop Deployments in Eastern Europe, calling it a Dangerous Signal to Moscow. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL-3rd Distrrict), who Chair the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, said they “strongly oppose” Ending the Army’s Rotational Brigade in Romania.
“Pulling back U.S. forces from NATO’s Eastern flank prematurely, and just weeks after Russian drones violated Romanian airspace, undermines deterrence and risks inviting further Russian aggression,” Wicker and Rogers said in a Statement. As the War between Russia and Ukraine continues, so have Tensions in Wider Eastern Europe, with Concerns from other Countries that Russia is trying to Provoke further Conflicts. Trump (R) has said He is Committed to Ending the War, but has also Declared that the Department of Defense (DoD) or War (DoW) will Focus on Defending American Soil rather than getting Involved in other Nations’ Affairs.
The News First came from Romania, whose Defense Minister said the Decision reflects Washington’s Shift “toward the Indo-Pacific” Region. However, Deputy Prime Minister of Romania Ionut Mosteanu said Allied Troop Numbers would remain Above the Number before Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Neighboring Ukraine in 2022. The Pentagon later Confirmed the Move, but insisted it does Not Weaken America’s Commitment to NATO. Romanian Officials said the Shift reflects Washington’s growing Focus on the Indo-Pacific, though Analysts Warn it could embolden Russia to Test the Alliance’s Resolve.
“The President is right that U.S. force posture in Europe needs to be updated as NATO shoulders additional burdens and the character of warfare changes,” the Statement to the Associated Press read. “But that update must be coordinated widely both within the U.S. government and with NATO.” Depending on Operations and Exercises, around 80,000-100,000 U.S. Troops are usually Present on European Soil. NATO Allies have expressed Concern that the Trump Administration might Drastically Cut their Numbers and leave a Security Vacuum as European Countries confront an Increasingly Aggressive Russia.
The Administration has been Reviewing its Military “Posture” in Europe and elsewhere, but U.S. Officials have said that the findings of the Teview were Not expected to be known before early 2026. NATO has recently been Bulking-Up its Defensive Posture on its Eastern Flank Bordering Belarus, Russia and Ukraine after a Series of Airspace Violations by Drones, Balloons, and Russian Aircraft.
In their Joint Statement, Wicker and Rogers said that they stated in March that they would Not Accept Significant Changes to Warfighting structures without “rigorous interagency process,” along with Collaboration between the DOD and Congress. This, they said, had Not been Adhered to. The Lawmakers said the President had theRright to move Troops around, but that any Changes needed to be Discussed with Congress and NATO.
Romania’s Defense Ministry, in a Statement Wednesday: “The downsizing of the US forces is an effect of the new priorities of the presidential administration, announced in February. The decision also took into account the fact that NATO had strengthened its presence and activity on the Eastern Flank, which allows the United States to adjust its military posture in the region.”
Senator Wicker and Representative Rogers, in their Joint Statement: “This decision also sends the wrong signal to Russia at the very moment President Trump is applying pressure to force Vladimir Putin to come to the table to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine. The President has it exactly right: now is the time for America to demonstrate our resolve against Russian aggression. Unfortunately, the Pentagon’s decision appears uncoordinated and directly at odds with the President’s strategy.”
U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitakar (R), on X: “Across NATO, Allies like Romania are demonstrating increased capability and responsibility. During 20 plus years as a NATO Ally, Romania has consistently partnered with the United States to meet our common defense objectives. That partnership remains stronger than ever. The United States remains committed to Romania—as a trusted NATO Ally, a vital strategic partner, and a driving force for security in Europe. Our strong presence in and enduring commitment to Europe remains steadfast, including support for Eastern Sentry.”
In a Statement later on Wednesday, U.S. Army Europe and Africa said the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division, will Return to its Base in Kentucky as previously Planned, but that No other U.S. Troops would Rotate into Europe to Replace it.
Government Officials in Poland and Lithuania, which Lie farther North along Europe’s Eastern Flank, said they had Not been Informed of any U.S. Troop Drawdown in their Countries.
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