U.S. military forces have begun reducing their rotational troop presence in Romania as part of an ongoing review of U.S. military postures in Europe, prompting concerns among NATO allies and some Republican lawmakers over potential reductions of American troops from the continent. The Pentagon has denied any intention of a full withdrawal from Europe, stating that this is an adjustment to enhance European capabilities and responsibility within NATO’s collective defense framework.
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa announced the redeployment of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division from its Romanian location back to its home unit in Kentucky. The statement cited Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s ‘deliberate process to ensure a balanced U.S. military force posture’ as the rationale for the decision. The Pentagon emphasized that this move does not signal diminished commitment to NATO and Article 5, nor does it alter the security environment in Europe. Instead, it is framed as a step toward empowering European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense.
Despite these assurances, NATO allies and several Republican lawmakers have raised concerns. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers criticized the decision in a joint statement, arguing it undermines the U.S. commitment to Europe and could weaken deterrence against Russia. They emphasized the need for a coordinated, interagency process involving the U.S. government and NATO to update military posture in light of evolving security challenges.
Romania’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the reduced troop presence would leave approximately 1,000 U.S. forces stationed there. They also noted that the decision is to stop the rotation of a brigade that had elements in several NATO countries, including the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The ministry described the move as a strategic shift to realign U.S. military assets more effectively to regional needs.