Republican and Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee expressed strong bipartisan concerns regarding reports about the Trump administration's potential plans to reduce U.S. military presence in Europe. They emphasized the importance of maintaining robust ties with NATO allies.
Rep. Michael Rogers, R-Mich., the committee’s chairman, firmly stated that the U.S. should not cut troop levels in Europe. He also voiced his opposition to any plans for the United States to relinquish its leadership role within NATO, specifically the Supreme Allied Command Europe (SACEUR) position. Rogers underscored that U.S. leadership in NATO is crucial to ensure that American armed forces, including nuclear arsenals, remain under American command.
Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, expressed disbelief at any discussion surrounding the possibility of abandoning the SACEUR role, labeling such thoughts as "idiocy." Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, the commander of U.S. European Command and NATO, addressed the committee, asserting that he has recommended maintaining current U.S. troop totals in Europe. Approximately 100,000 U.S. troops have been stationed in Europe, which represents an increase of 20,000 troops since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
During the hearing, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Ill., inquired whether the Trump administration was considering plans to withdraw two rotational brigades from Europe. Gen. Cavoli clarified that troop levels are under constant review, focusing on military readiness and modernization. Bacon warned that any reduction in forces would constitute a severe mistake and signal American weakness.
On the Democratic side, Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., who serves as the committee's ranking member, advocated for continued U.S. support to Europe and Ukraine. He criticized former President Donald Trump, claiming that Trump has inadvertently empowered Russian President Vladimir Putin. Although Trump has called for an end to the war in Ukraine, he has scaled back support for Ukraine during his time in office, asserting that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security.
General Cavoli highlighted that NATO allies are increasing their defense investments to levels not seen since the Cold War, with a notable 40% increase since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Katherine Thompson, currently performing the duties of assistant defense secretary for international affairs, indicated that a review of troop levels is ongoing and that no final decisions have been made. However, she faced significant criticism from Smith and other lawmakers when she incorrectly stated that a ceasefire existed in Ukraine.
Rep. Smith corrected her, emphasizing that Russian bombardments are still ongoing and that there is no ceasefire in place. Thompson struggled to answer questions about Trump's favorable remarks toward Putin and his claim that Ukraine initiated the conflict, asserting that Trump’s objective is a ceasefire.
Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., expressed frustration with Thompson's repetitive and vague responses, insisting they did not adequately address the questions posed. Thompson also touched upon discussions with NATO allies regarding the need for increased defense spending, referring to some European nations as "free-riders." Additionally, she refrained from commenting on the use of a specific communication platform, Signal, by senior national security officials to discuss sensitive military operations against the Yemen-based Houthi rebels, affirming that she follows security protocols.
