A new Pentagon strategy, prepared at Donald Trump’s direction, calls for reducing the U.S. military presence in Europe, The Washington Post reported.
The move has alarmed U.S. allies, especially against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine and “recent repeated incursions of Russian aircraft into NATO airspace.” Many within the U.S. armed forces share these concerns, as the document significantly shifts priorities—refocusing on threats to U.S. territory, scaling back competition with China, and reducing Washington’s role in Europe and Africa.
For decades, U.S. defense strategy was built on the idea that reliable overseas alliances were the best way to protect America itself. But Trump’s circle argues that such a policy only drags the country into costly foreign conflicts and distracts from domestic priorities.
“Disagreements in drafting strategic documents are normal, but the number of senior officials worried about the project and the sharpness of their criticism are unusual,” sources told the paper.
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The Pentagon is set to unveil the new strategy today, with Defense Secretary Hegseth and President Trump addressing the presentation.
Former U.S. Army Europe commander Ben Hodges has previously warned that Trump’s characterization of Russia as a “paper tiger” could indicate Washington’s willingness to reduce its military presence on the continent.