Republicans, Democrats Unite Against NATO Command Shift/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Top lawmakers from both parties strongly opposed any move by the Trump administration to reduce U.S. troops in Europe. The House Armed Services Committee also rejected giving up America’s NATO command role. Military leaders warned cuts would delay U.S. response time in a European crisis.
Congress Pushes Back on Trump’s Europe Troop Plans: Quick Looks
- House Armed Services Committee opposes troop cuts in Europe
- Lawmakers reject idea of giving up NATO SACEUR post
- Pentagon says troop review is ongoing, no decisions made
- Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli warns cuts would slow crisis response
- U.S. troop levels in Europe remain at about 100,000
- Trump administration under pressure to maintain NATO leadership
- Rep. Rogers: Nuclear weapons must remain under U.S. control
- Rep. Turner calls idea of dropping NATO command “idiocy”
- Lawmakers grill Pentagon over Trump’s stance on Ukraine and Russia
- Some warn Trump is emboldening Putin, undermining U.S. alliances
Republicans, Democrats Unite Against NATO Command Shift
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — April 8, 2025 — In a rare show of bipartisan unity, Republicans and Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee voiced strong opposition Tuesday to any effort by the Trump administration to cut U.S. troop levels in Europe or relinquish command of NATO forces.
Speaking during a hearing with Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the top U.S. commander in Europe and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), lawmakers warned that such moves would weaken American deterrence against Russia and send a dangerous signal to allies and adversaries alike.
“U.S. leadership in NATO is essential,” said Committee Chairman Rep. Michael Rogers (R-Mich.). “Armed American forces, including our nuclear weapons, must always remain under U.S. command.”
Concerns over a potential drawdown of troops and speculation that the administration may hand off the SACEUR role to a European nation prompted swift condemnation across party lines.
“The idiocy of even discussing giving up NATO command is just beyond me,” said Rep. Michael Turner (R-Ohio).
Pentagon official Katherine Thompson, serving as the acting assistant secretary for international affairs, repeatedly stated that no final decision had been made and that a review of troop posture was ongoing. But pressed on the SACEUR role, she eventually gave a definitive answer: “My definitive answer is no.”
General Cavoli: Cuts Would Delay U.S. Response
Gen. Cavoli told lawmakers he has recommended keeping the current force of approximately 100,000 U.S. troops in Europe — a number bolstered after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“Moving forces across the Atlantic increases the time and space challenge,” Cavoli said. “Our current posture, with help from our allies, is deterring Russia.”
Asked whether the administration is considering pulling out rotational brigades, Cavoli acknowledged ongoing discussions about readiness and modernization but offered no confirmation.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Ill.) called any such reduction a “grave mistake” and a “signal of weakness.”
Lawmakers Criticize Trump, Back NATO
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the committee’s top Democrat, said ongoing support for Ukraine and NATO is critical — and accused Trump of empowering Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“President Trump has emboldened Putin,” Smith said, adding that pulling back from NATO would be “dangerous and reckless.”
Cavoli defended NATO allies, noting that European defense spending has risen 40% since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Thompson, however, said the U.S. remains firm in its message to allies that they must “step up” and contribute more, calling some countries “free-riders.”
She also faced sharp criticism for describing the situation in Ukraine as a “ceasefire,” prompting a stern correction from Rep. Smith.
“There is no ceasefire. Russia is bombing civilians daily,” he said.
Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) slammed Thompson’s vague answers, calling them “canned” and unhelpful.
The Bigger Picture: America’s Role in NATO
The bipartisan pushback underscores Congress’s concerns that Trump’s second-term foreign policy could undercut decades of transatlantic cooperation. Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO and signaled that Europe should take more responsibility for its own defense.
Despite Trump’s remarks that NATO allies should “pay up” or risk losing U.S. support, lawmakers are now moving to make sure America doesn’t step back from its longstanding leadership role in the alliance.
Cavoli affirmed that U.S. leadership — including the SACEUR post — is a key pillar of NATO cohesion.
“This role gives us influence, credibility, and the ability to lead,” he said.
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