Pentagon officials were caught off guard by Defense Secretary Hegseth’s unexpected decision regarding US troop deployment in Poland, with multiple sources saying they had “no idea it was coming.”

The decision involves changes to the scale and scope of the US military presence in Poland, one of America’s most important NATO allies in Eastern Europe.

Impact on NATO’s Eastern Flank

Poland hosts thousands of US troops as part of NATO’s eastern defense posture. Any changes to the deployment scale or mission scope could have significant implications for alliance security architecture.

European diplomats have expressed concern, noting that adjustments to US force posture in Europe amid the ongoing Iran conflict require careful handling to maintain allied confidence.

President Trump has once again signaled a hardline stance toward European allies, threatening to reduce US troop levels in Germany, Italy, and Spain. The move stems from serious disagreements between the United States and European nations over the Iran military operation.

According to Reuters, Trump publicly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, telling him to “stop interfering” on Iran. This statement marks a widening rift between the US and Europe on the Iran issue.

Politico reported that Trump’s call to reduce US troop numbers in Germany has shocked Pentagon officials. The decision not only involves America’s military commitments within NATO but also carries profound implications for European security architecture.

CNN noted that Trump is threatening to withdraw some US forces from Germany, Italy, and Spain in response to these countries’ criticism of US Iran policy. Germany, as the largest host of US troops in Europe with approximately 35,000 American soldiers, serves as a key pivot point for the US military presence on the continent.

The Guardian analysis pointed out that the US military presence in Germany dates back to the post-WWII era and has become a critical pillar of the European security system. Whether Trump will follow through on his threat remains to be seen, but the statement has already triggered alarm across European capitals.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced sharp questioning from senators on his second day of congressional testimony on the Iran war. Axios reported that the Pentagon is arguing that the Iran war “truce” effectively “terminated” hostilities before the 60-day War Powers Act deadline, thus avoiding the need for formal congressional authorization.

Sources: Reuters, Politico, CNN

On April 30, 2026, US President Donald Trump explicitly threatened to reduce the number of American troops stationed in Germany after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticized his Iran policy. This marks the latest escalation in transatlantic tensions driven by the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Merz Criticizes Iran Policy, Trump Strikes Back

Chancellor Merz told a press conference in Berlin that the US blockade strategy against Iran “lacks a clear diplomatic objective” and called for the restoration of negotiations through multilateral channels. Merz emphasized that European nations should not be drawn into “a military confrontation with no exit strategy.”

Trump responded on social media, stating that if Germany was unwilling to support American allied operations, then “there is no reason for the United States to continue bearing the enormous cost of protecting Germany.” He hinted that the size of the US military presence in Germany could face “significant adjustments.”

US Troops in Germany: Cornerstone of NATO Defense

Currently, approximately 35,000 US military personnel are stationed in Germany, distributed across key facilities including Ramstein Air Base and US European Command in Stuttgart. These bases are not only the core hub of NATO’s European defense but also serve as logistical support centers for American military operations in the Middle East and Africa.

According to an exclusive Reuters report, a White House official revealed that Trump is seriously considering the possibility of “withdrawing some military assets from Europe”—the harshest threat to NATO allies since his first term.

Allied Reactions

French President Emmanuel Macron called for “transatlantic unity,” stating that coordination among NATO allies is more critical than ever in the current geopolitical environment. The UK Foreign Secretary said Britain would continue to support the US position on Iran while emphasizing the necessity of diplomatic solutions.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a statement from Brussels saying that “NATO’s collective defense strength depends on the unity of all member states,” and called on all parties to resolve differences through dialogue.

Implications for Global Security

Analysts note that if the US actually reduces its military presence in Germany, it would have profound implications for European security architecture. The German Bundeswehr currently lacks the capability to independently应对 security threats, and a reduction in US military assets could force Europe to accelerate its defense autonomy process.

Meanwhile, Russia and Iran may interpret the US withdrawal threat as a signal of cracks within the Western alliance, potentially adjusting their own diplomatic and military strategies accordingly.

Market Reaction

Following the news, European defense stocks saw volatility. Shares of Rheinmetall and Thales rose, reflecting market expectations of accelerated European rearmament. The euro fell slightly against the US dollar.

Source: Politico, Reuters, EADaily