Donald Trump reportedly questioned the Pentagon chief’s decision to halt scheduled troop rotations to Poland, stressing that Washington must not mistreat a key ally during a recent phone call.
Trump questions Pentagon decision
President Donald Trump reportedly contacted Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to inquire about the rationale behind canceling the deployment of U.S. troops to Poland. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump emphasized that the United States should not improperly treat a close ally with strong ties to the White House.
Citing current and former U.S. officials, the report states that the cancellation, which initially targeted Germany as a response to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of U.S. involvement in the war against Iran, was mistakenly applied to Poland.
Potential shift in military strategy
The Pentagon is currently evaluating options that would satisfy both Trump’s demands and the broader goal of reducing U.S. force numbers in Europe. One proposal involves relocating the 2nd Cavalry Regiment from Vilseck, Germany, to Poland.
White House and Pentagon spokespersons have denied any internal discord, confirming that the President and the Secretary of Defense remain in constant communication regarding troop movements in Europe.
Poland expresses readiness for permanent base
Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski, following a visit to Washington, stated that the U.S. is expected to present options to avoid weakening its engagement in Poland. Poland has declared its readiness to cover the costs of constructing a permanent military base for U.S. personnel.
The decision to halt rotations, which caught both U.S. lawmakers and military commanders by surprise, has prompted bipartisan threats in Congress. Lawmakers have indicated they may use the budgetary process to force a reversal, including potential spending cuts for high-ranking officials.