Overview

• The Trump administration is reportedly considering relinquishing the U.S. role as NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SAUCER), a position held by a U.S. general since 1950.
• Republican Armed Services Committee chairs Mike Rogers and Roger Wicker issued a joint statement opposing any unilateral changes to military command structures without Congressional and interagency input.
• The lawmakers warned that such changes could undermine global deterrence, weaken U.S. negotiating positions with adversaries, and erode NATO allies' confidence in American commitments.
• The current NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli, has been instrumental in coordinating NATO's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Congressional leaders signaled they could use legislative tools, including budgetary controls, to block any unilateral moves by the Trump administration to restructure military commands.