The Pentagon has decided to cancel the temporary deployment of over 4,000 US-based troops to Poland, as reported by multiple US media outlets. This decision was relayed by Christopher LaNeve, the acting US Army chief of staff, during a congressional hearing. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, which was set for deployment, will no longer proceed with its mission.
LaNeve mentioned that the directive for force reduction came from the head of the US European Command. Despite some unit elements already being dispatched abroad with equipment in transit, the deployment was called off. The order to halt the deployment originated from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s office, with no official announcement made yet.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed surprise at the lack of notification to Congress regarding this decision. Meanwhile, the Pentagon had recently announced the withdrawal of about 5,000 US troops from Germany over the next year. Additionally, President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of relocating troops from Italy, citing the country’s perceived lack of support during a recent interview.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed bewilderment at Trump’s statements, emphasizing Italy’s collaboration with coalition partners for a mission in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s comments on reducing military presence in Spain and Italy have raised concerns among European allies. Notably, Italy hosts the second-largest US military contingent in Europe after Germany, with approximately 12,700 active-duty troops stationed there.
