Overview

• The Trump administration is reportedly considering relinquishing the U.S. role as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), held by an American general since 1950.
• Proposals include merging European and Africa Commands as well as Northern and Southern Commands to cut costs, potentially saving $1 billion over five years.
• Republican Armed Services Committee chairs Mike Rogers and Roger Wicker issued a rare joint statement opposing unilateral changes without congressional consultation.
• Defense experts and former NATO commanders warn that relinquishing the SACEUR role could weaken U.S. influence in NATO and signal reduced American global leadership.
• Mitch McConnell and bipartisan lawmakers express concerns that the proposed changes could undermine global deterrence and embolden adversaries like Russia and China.