The Pentagon has canceled plans to temporarily deploy approximately 4,000 U.S.-based Army troops to Poland. This surprise decision comes alongside Washington's decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany following a feud between President Donald Trump and Chancellor Merz.
These moves are part of a broader review of the U.S. military presence in Europe as President Trump feuds with Germany and other members of the NATO alliance. A senior NATO military official stated that replenishment forces do not factor into the organization's deterrence and defence plans, renewing questions about expected troop cuts in Europe.
The latest decisions to withdraw troops also came amid increasing pressure to raise defence spending. Additionally, an internal Pentagon email has outlined options to punish NATO allies deemed to have not supported President Trump’s war in Iran.