Trump to cut US military presence in Hungary – Even his own party outraged
The Trump administration will begin reducing the US military presence in several Eastern European countries – including Hungary, Bulgaria, and Slovakia – from mid-December, according to Kyiv Post. The move follows the earlier withdrawal of the rotational US brigade from Romania, a decision that had already drawn sharp criticism from both major American parties.
Washington describes the move as a “marginal” force recalibration, justified by the growing strength of Europe’s own ground forces. The Pentagon insists the change does not signal a reduced commitment to NATO and does not undermine the guarantees of Article 5 – the alliance’s collective defence clause.
Poland and the Baltics remain the core of US presence
According to Kyiv Post, the US Department of Defence stressed that troop levels in Poland and the Baltic states will remain unchanged, as these countries form the cornerstone of NATO’s eastern defence line. Their “robust defence spending” and close cooperation with Washington were cited as the basis for their privileged status.
Although CBS News reported that around 700 paratroopers currently stationed in Germany, Romania, and Poland would be sent home – with no new units yet assigned to replace them – Kyiv Post, Stars and Stripes, and Polish officials confirmed that no troops will be withdrawn from Poland.
Political backlash in Washington
News of the withdrawal immediately sparked political outrage in the United States. Lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties fear the move could weaken NATO’s deterrence capabilities and embolden Moscow.
Republican Congressman Mike Turner, who leads the US delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, expressed his “deep concern,” noting that amid Russia’s deliberate airspace violations and aggressive posture, maintaining a strong American presence on the eastern flank is more crucial than ever.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called the move “deeply misguided,” warning that it “sends exactly the wrong message to Vladimir Putin” as he continues his war against Ukraine and provokes neighbouring NATO members.
Shaheen also pointed out that Romania spends 5% of its GDP on defence and has been a “model ally” in its cooperation with the United States.
Diplomatic concerns: Hungary also affected
According to Kyiv Post, the Romanian reduction was only the first step: similar drawdowns are expected in Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia in the coming weeks. While the Pentagon describes these as “moderate adjustments,” several NATO diplomats fear the political symbolism of the move could send a dangerous signal to Moscow.
Daniel Fried, former US Assistant Secretary of State, described the decision as a “bureaucratic compromise” rather than a strategic retreat. He said that although the step does not alter the military balance, it sends a poor political message. “Anyone who takes Russia’s aggression seriously knows that now is not the time to show weakness,” he added.
NATO: No decline in commitment
NATO has sought to reassure its members, emphasising that US forces in Europe still remain larger in number than at any point in recent years. The alliance noted that the defence of its eastern borders has strengthened to an “unprecedented degree” over the past decade in response to Russia’s aggressive actions.
Estonia’s defence minister also issued a statement stressing that the United States remains fully committed to defending Estonia and NATO’s entire eastern flank.
Although the actual scale of the troop reductions appears relatively small, the geopolitical message behind the decision has generated far greater resonance than its direct military consequences.
YANKEES GO HOME!!!!!!!!
Whose going to wipe your ass