Washington has scrapped plans to send 4,000 US troops to Poland, according to American officials, in a move tied to the ongoing reorganization of US military forces across Europe after the Pentagon announced troop reductions in Germany.
Speaking during a congressional hearing, General Christopher LaNeve confirmed that US European Command had received directives concerning force reductions. He noted that parts of the deploying unit had already moved overseas and that equipment shipments were underway before the deployment was abruptly canceled under orders from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stated that the decision had been finalized only days earlier. Lawmakers from both parties strongly criticized the move, particularly because Polish authorities reportedly received no prior notification. Republican Representative Don Bacon said Polish officials were “blindsided,” calling the reversal both “reprehensible” and damaging to America’s credibility.
Democratic Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland argued that removing large troop contingents undermines confidence in the United States as a dependable ally.
The cancellation follows the Pentagon’s recent announcement that 5,000 US troops would be withdrawn from Germany within six to twelve months. The decision came amid a public disagreement between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran. Trump later indicated the reduction could exceed the initially announced figure.
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz suggested the canceled deployment may simply reflect a reshuffling of forces from Germany to Poland rather than a reduction in regional security commitments.
Throughout both of his presidencies, Trump has repeatedly pushed European allies to shoulder more responsibility for continental defense rather than relying heavily on US military protection. Analysts believe the latest troop moves may also be linked to disagreements over support for Middle East operations and security missions in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
A spokesperson for North Atlantic Treaty Organization said the alliance is aware that the US is adjusting its military posture in Europe, while stressing that NATO’s overall deterrence and defense plans remain secure due to increased deployments by allies such as Canada and Germany along the eastern flank.
