Lawmakers from both parties insist the U.S. should keep its current troop presence in Europe

Republican and Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee strongly criticized the Trump administration on Tuesday over reports that it might reduce U.S. troop presence in Europe. Lawmakers said the U.S. must remain committed to its NATO partners.

Rep. Michael Rogers, R-Mich., who chairs the committee, said troop levels in Europe should not be cut and he opposed any idea of the U.S. giving up its leadership role in NATO. He emphasized, “U.S. leadership in NATO is essential to ensure armed American forces, including our nuclear weapons, always remain under U.S. command.”

Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, said the idea of giving up the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) position made no sense to him, calling it “idiocy.”

Katherine Thompson, who is currently handling the role of assistant defense secretary for international affairs, told lawmakers that the Pentagon is still reviewing troop numbers and no final decision has been made.

After being pressed for hours, she eventually said, “my definitive answer is no,” when asked if the U.S. would give up the SACEUR role. It was the first clear statement from Pentagon officials that the U.S. intends to keep the position. Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, who holds the role, said it gives the U.S. strong influence in NATO.

About 100,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe, an increase of 20,000 since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Cavoli told lawmakers that he recommended keeping the current number of troops, warning that a reduction would make it harder for the U.S. military to respond quickly in a crisis. “Clearly moving things to the other side of the Atlantic increases the time-space challenge,” he said. He added that the U.S. military presence, along with support from NATO allies, is helping deter Russia.

When asked by Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., whether the Trump administration is thinking about pulling two rotating brigades from Europe, Cavoli said troop levels are constantly reviewed based on readiness and modernization needs. Bacon said cutting troops would be a major mistake and send the wrong message about U.S. strength.

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the committee, supported continued U.S. backing for Europe and Ukraine and criticized Trump, saying his actions have helped Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump has called for an end to the war in Ukraine but cut back support when returning to office. He has also said that Europe should take more responsibility for its own defense.

Cavoli said NATO countries are investing in defense at levels not seen since the Cold War, with a 40% increase since the Ukraine war started.

Smith and other lawmakers criticized Thompson when she said there was a ceasefire in Ukraine. “There is no ceasefire. Let’s just be clear about that,” Smith said, pointing out that Russia is still bombing Ukraine.

Thompson had a hard time answering questions about Trump’s comments praising Putin or suggesting Ukraine started the war. She said Trump wants a ceasefire.

Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., said Thompson’s answers sounded scripted and didn’t respond directly to the lawmakers’ questions.

Thompson also said the U.S. is being upfront with NATO about the need for more defense spending, calling some European countries free-riders. When asked about U.S. security leaders using Signal to talk about a planned military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen, she refused to comment and said she follows security rules.