US Considers Major Troop Cuts in Europe Amid NATO Defense Review
- Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, took part in a virtual briefing on Sept.
- General Grynkewich participated in the virtual meeting in his capacity as head of the U.S.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth announced the six-month review during a meeting with defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, in June 2026.
Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, took part in a virtual briefing on Sept. 18, 2026, for Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby regarding potential approaches to a review of U.S. troop deployments in Europe, according to a report by Reuters. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, evaluates America’s military posture on the continent and weighs potential reductions of the roughly 80,000 currently stationed there.
General Grynkewich Briefs Pentagon Policy Chief on Troop Review
General Grynkewich participated in the virtual meeting in his capacity as head of the U.S. A NATO spokesperson stated that the briefing occurred while Europe continues to take more and more responsibility for its defense, and as the alliance continues to strengthen and transition to a posture known as NATO 3.0. A document reviewed by Reuters indicates the ongoing assessment will create at least four sets of options for Hegseth, with the September briefing contributing to shaping the possibilities on the table.
U.S. Defense Secretary Connects Review to Alliance Spending Commitments
Defense Secretary Hegseth announced the six-month review during a meeting with defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, in June 2026. According to Reuters, Hegseth threatened to withhold some U.S. dues to NATO if free-riding allies failed to meet their defense spending commitments. While Hegseth did not explicitly state the review would result in reductions of the 80,000 U.S. troops deployed to Europe, he stressed the goal would be to prompt the continent to do more while ensuring the U.S. military could meet its global commitments.
Consultations with Congress and Basing Rights Concerns
The review process includes consultations with the U.S. Reuters reported that Hegseth also criticized allies who did not support the United States during the Iran war, after some nations denied Washington basing and overflight rights for war-related activities. Hegseth stated that the current defense engagement review will ensure these rights are assured moving forward.