Secretary of war public affairs aide issues statement

The Department of War has reduced the number of Brigade Combat Teams assigned to Europe from four to three, returning the presence to 2021 levels. The move is resulting in a temporary delay of the deployment of U.S. forces to Poland, which the department described as a model U.S. ally.

Officials said the decision followed a comprehensive, multilayered review focused on U.S. force posture in Europe. The final disposition of these and other U.S. forces in Europe will be determined after further analysis of U.S. strategic and operational requirements, as well as allies’ ability to contribute forces toward Europe’s defense.

The department said the analysis is designed to advance President Trump’s America First agenda in Europe and other theaters by incentivizing and enabling NATO allies to take primary responsibility for Europe’s conventional defense.

Secretary Hegseth spoke with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz earlier in the day, and the department said it will remain in close contact with Polish counterparts as the analysis proceeds, including to ensure the United States retains a strong military presence in Poland.

Officials said Poland has shown both the ability and resolve to defend itself and added that other NATO allies should follow suit.

The department said it will provide more information at the appropriate time, in the appropriate setting.