Congressional Republicans and Democrats insist on maintaining number of US troops in Europe
Members of the US House Armed Services Committee from the Republican and Democratic parties have criticized reports that the Trump administration is considering a reduction in US forces in Europe.
According to Censor.NET, this was reported by AP.
Thus, Congressman Michael Rogers, the head of the group, believes that the United States should not reduce the number of its troops in Europe. He opposes any plans to withdraw from NATO command. The United States has historically held the position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
"U.S. leadership in NATO is essential to ensuring that U.S. military forces, including our nuclear weapons, remain under U.S. command at all times," the congressman emphasized.
At the same time, Republican Michael Turner called the very fact of discussing the abandonment of the SACEUR role "idiotic." It is "just beyond comprehension," he added.
Katherine Thompson, who serves as assistant secretary of defense for international affairs, repeatedly told lawmakers that the Pentagon is reviewing the overall troop levels and no decisions have been made.
When asked again two hours into the hearing whether the United States would abandon SACEUR, she replied: "My final answer is no."
This was the first time that Pentagon officials categorically denied that the United States would abandon the post.
In recent years, about 100,000 U.S. troops have been stationed in Europe, 20,000 more than before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
General Christopher Cavoli, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe and NATO, answering a question from Republican Don Bacon about whether the Trump administration is considering plans to withdraw two rotational brigades from Europe, said that the number of troops is constantly being reviewed.
According to him, the discussions usually revolve around the readiness and modernization of the armed forces.
Bacon replied that any reduction would be a serious mistake and a sign of America's weakness.
Democrat Adam Smith called on the United States to continue to support Europe and Ukraine and criticized President Donald Trump.
Earlier, it was reported that the United States is withdrawing its military from the key hub of assistance to Ukraine in Poland.
According to NBC, the United States may withdraw up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe.
