Overview

• The Pentagon is evaluating a proposal to withdraw up to 10,000 U.S. troops from Eastern Europe as part of a global force posture review.
• Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, has strongly recommended maintaining current troop levels to ensure regional stability and deterrence against Russia.
• Republican lawmakers, including House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers and Rep. Don Bacon, have criticized the potential troop reductions, calling them a sign of weakness.
• Defense officials are considering reallocating resources to address priorities in the Indo-Pacific region and domestic defense needs, reflecting a strategic pivot toward countering China's influence.
• No final decision has been made, but concerns persist that reducing the U.S. footprint in Europe could embolden Russian aggression and strain NATO alliances.