The sudden decision by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to cancel the deployment of 4,000 U.S. troops to Poland came as a surprise to both Pentagon officials and European allies. This was reported by Politico, according to UNN.
Details
According to three U.S. defense officials familiar with the situation, it is not exactly known why Hegseth issued this order.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed anger and frustration toward European allies for not assisting in the conflict with Iran, although Trump has called Poland an "exemplary ally" for its high defense spending.
The decision was even more unexpected as troops and equipment had already begun arriving in Poland.
"We had no idea this was going to happen," said one U.S. official. He added that European and American officials spent the last 24 hours on the phone trying to understand the decision and determine if other surprises await them.
The 4,000 troops from Texas were preparing to depart for a long-planned nine-month rotation to Poland. U.S. forces stationed on the continent are a key factor in deterring Russia. Trump has insisted that Europe must take care of itself, and his latest order suggests the president is serious about reducing the American presence on the continent.
When questioned by the publication, the White House declined to answer and referred the inquiry to the Pentagon.
As a reminder
Earlier, media reported that the U.S. Army cancelled the deployment of 4,000 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division to Poland. Equipment and some of the troops were already en route.
Polish PM Tusk Warns of "Ongoing Disintegration" of NATO02.05.26, 21:11