Top commander, in potential clash with Pentagon, warns US troops should stay in Europe [View all]

Source: Politico

04/08/2025 11:58 AM EDT


Republican lawmakers — and the commander of U.S. forces in Europe — argued Tuesday against withdrawing troops from the continent, clashing with a potential Trump administration plan.

U.S. European Command chief Gen. Christopher Cavoli told the House Armed Services Committee that he’s “consistently recommended” keeping the same troop levels since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “It’s my advice to maintain that force posture as it is now,” he said.

His comments, echoed by some top Republicans, follow reports that the Pentagon is weighing removing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe. And they showcased increasing public tension between the Trump administration and GOP defense hawks over the military’s role abroad.

House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) criticized the possibility of reducing the American military footprint in Europe, including the U.S. stepping down from command of NATO forces on the continent. He accused “some at DOD” of trying to steer military resources away from Europe and hurt national security. But he did credit President Donald Trump with forcing NATO allies to ramp up their defense spending and for acknowledging it is “time to stop the bloodshed” in Ukraine.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/08/troops-europe-withdraw-cavoli-republicans-00007176