As members of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee emphasized, this decision is a blow to both the NATO ally and Congress, which has long sought to strengthen the American presence in Europe. They expressed their bitterness during a meeting with army representatives, where top civilian and military commanders were unable to explain the reasons for this decision and they confirmed that it came on suddenly.
– I just want to say that this is a slap in the face to Poland; “This is a slap in the face to our Baltic friends,” said Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska. — This is also a slap in the face to this committee.
The reaction came after members of Congress, European allies and even Pentagon officials were caught off guard by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to halt a long-planned, nine-month rotation of 4,000 troops. soldiers stationed in Texas.
This is another chapter in the dispute between Donald Trump's administration and Republicans in Congress, who have different opinions about US security interests in Europe. Last year, lawmakers limited the ability to withdraw troops from Europe, fearing the administration would unilaterally reduce troop levels.
“We don't know what's really going on, but I can tell you this: We're not happy with what's being reported, especially since we haven't been consulted in any way as required by law,” said Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers of Alabama.
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Congressmen demanded that Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and acting chief of staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve explain the reasons for canceling the mission. Both admitted that the decision had been made only in recent weeks and no justification had been provided to them.
This declaration contradicts the official position of the Pentagon. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said Thursday that it wasn't an “unexpected, last-minute decision”.
Congressman Austin Scott of Georgia, asking the military for details, stated that their testimony contradicted the Pentagon's official statement.
“I don't see how the Pentagon's statement could be true,” he said.
LaNeve told congressmen that the decision to cancel the brigade's deployment came after Hegseth's office ordered the commander of U.S. European Command, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, to limit the military presence on the continent. He said the decision was “relatively recent” and was made “probably in the last two weeks.”
LaNeve also confirmed that some of the brigade's soldiers and equipment were already in Europe or on their waywhen Hegseth decided to cancel the mission.
Driscoll did not elaborate, but said the army is willing to adjust its plans depending on the “preferences” of regional commanders or the secretary of defense. “It's not about hiding anything, it's about the fact that these types of conversations happen all year round, every year,” he said.
The rotation of troops to Poland is another move by the administration that attracts the attention of the most hawkish wing of Donald Trump's Republican Party. Last month, the administration decided to withdraw 5,000. soldiers from Germany, which came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was “humiliating itself” in the war with Iran. A decision was also made not to replenish the brigade that left Romania at the end of last year.
Trump has long criticized European countries, claiming that they benefit from American defense spending, although he repeatedly praised Poland as a “model ally” for increasing military spending.
“If there's a strategy behind this, you should know about it.”
The accumulation of decisions regarding U.S. troops in Europe by some of Trump's allies in Congress is seen as undermining NATO — and Congress itself.
— Maybe I don't represent 100 percent. members of this committee, but I certainly reflect the views of the vast majority – Bacon said, referring to the withdrawal of soldiers from Poland. — We do not agree with this decision.
The ranking Democrat on the committee, Adam Smith of Washington state, argued that military officials should be able to give lawmakers a clear answer.
— All I hear is, “That's what we were told.” Okay, but why? Smith asked the army representatives. — If there is a strategy behind this, you should know about it and be able to communicate it to us.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
