Trump Orders Europe Troop Cuts, Halts Poland and Germany Deployments

The Pentagon has halted major troop deployments to Poland and Germany as part of President Donald Trump’s broader push to reduce the American military presence in Europe, triggering bipartisan criticism in Washington and renewed concern among NATO allies.

US officials said around 4,200 troops from the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division , based at Fort Hood, Texas, were stopped from deploying to Poland this week. The deployment cancellation reportedly came after Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo directing the Joint Chiefs of Staff to remove a brigade combat team from Europe.

Officials also confirmed that a planned deployment to Germany of a battalion trained in firing long-range rockets and missiles was scrapped. The changes are linked to Trump’s order earlier this month to reduce the US troop presence in Europe by about 5,000 personnel .

The move follows growing tensions between Washington and European allies over the Iran war and defence burden-sharing within NATO . Trump had previously announced troop cuts focused on Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised Washington’s handling of Iran.

Lawmakers from both parties criticised the abrupt decision and lack of consultation with Congress. Some officials said military preparations for the Poland deployment were already underway before the order arrived.

The troop reduction has also raised concerns across Europe as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine. Critics warned the move could weaken deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank and embolden Moscow.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Warsaw had received assurances that the move was logistical and would not undermine Poland’s security or defence ties with the United States.