President Donald Trump has reversed a decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to cancel the deployment of 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland, according to reports. The reversal, announced on Friday, came after Hegseth had earlier ordered the Pentagon to halt the deployment as part of a broader strategy to reduce American military presence in Europe.
Trump Cites Polish Election
Trump cited the recent election of Poland's President Karol Nawrocki as the reason for sending additional troops, countermanding the earlier Pentagon decision. Hegseth's initial plan to halt the deployment was part of a wider effort to withdraw U.S. forces from Europe, including troop reductions in Germany.
Pentagon and White House Statements
The Pentagon's decision to cancel the deployment had drawn criticism from U.S. lawmakers, who expressed concerns about the message it sent to allies and to Russia. Reports indicate that Trump overruled Hegseth, emphasizing Poland's status as a strong U.S. ally. Despite the reversal, both the White House and the Pentagon issued statements affirming their alignment on defense policy.
The move underscores ongoing tensions within the administration over military strategy in Europe, with Trump asserting his authority on foreign policy matters.
