Pentagon scraps deployment of 4,200 US troops to Poland, officials reveal

The Pentagon has canceled the planned deployment of 4,200 US troops from the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team to Poland. The brigade, based at Fort Hood, Texas, was set to replace another armored unit from the same division currently stationed in Poland. However, preparations were halted after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo ordering the withdrawal of a brigade combat team from Europe. The cancellation also affects a planned deployment of a battalion specializing in long-range rockets and missile systems to Germany. Officials confirmed the decision stems from President Donald Trump’s order to reduce US forces in Europe by about 5,000 troops. Trump has criticized NATO allies, including Germany, for not fully supporting US goals in the Iran conflict, threatening troop reductions in multiple European countries. Polish officials expressed surprise, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk stating the decision was logistical and did not impact deterrence capabilities. Republican Rep. Don Bacon reported that Polish leaders were ‘blindsided’ but clarified the move was tied to Trump’s broader cuts in Germany. The Pentagon described the withdrawal as part of a ‘comprehensive, multilayered process’ aimed at shifting more defense responsibility to European allies. Currently, around 7,400 US troops remain in Poland, with the Army’s V Corps maintaining a forward headquarters in Poznan. The cancellation follows Trump’s earlier threats to pull troops from Italy and Spain, citing insufficient support for US policies. The Pentagon’s long-term strategy emphasizes reducing the US military footprint in Europe while encouraging greater burden-sharing among NATO members.