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15.05.2026.

11:40

Drama in the Pentagon — Phones ringing 24/7; Europe in panic

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unexpectedly canceled the planned deployment of 4,000 American troops to Poland, further increasing concerns among European allies about the reliability of U.S. military commitments.

Izvor: Index.hr

Drama in the Pentagon — Phones ringing 24/7; Europe in panic
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This report says the story originally published by Army Times comes just weeks after the U.S. Department of Defense reportedly withdrew about 5,000 troops from Germany amid growing tensions between Washington and Berlin over the war in Iran, according to Politico.

The article claims that the decision regarding Poland surprised both the Pentagon and European officials, with Hegseth offering no explanation.

The planned deployment involved 4,000 troops from Texas who were supposed to be stationed in Poland as part of a nine-month rotation, conducting training exercises with NATO allies. Units and equipment had already begun arriving in the country.

A senior Pentagon official is quoted as saying they “had no idea this was coming,” adding that European and U.S. counterparts spent the last 24 hours on calls trying to understand the decision and whether further surprises are being prepared.

An important deterrence instrument has been lost

Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of U.S. forces in Europe, said the military’s role in the region is deterrence against Russia, protection of U.S. strategic interests, and assurance for allies. He warned that “a very important instrument of deterrence has now been removed.”

Drama in the Pentagon — Phones ringing 24/7; Europe in panic
AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia
 
 

The report also notes that Poland has never criticized President Donald Trump. “They do everything good allies are supposed to do, and yet this is happening,” the source added.

Pentagon responds, conflicting signals from Trump

In a statement provided to Politico, the Pentagon rejected claims that the cancellation of the troop deployment was unexpected.

“The decision to withdraw units was made after a comprehensive, multi-layered process that took into account the views of key U.S. military commanders in Europe and the entire chain of command,” the statement said.

It added that “this was not an unexpected, last-minute decision.”

The statement comes amid conflicting signals from the Trump administration.

After announcing a troop withdrawal from Germany, Trump himself floated the idea of relocating 5,000 soldiers to Poland. “Poland would like that. We have a great relationship with Poland, and I have a great relationship with the president,” Trump said on May 8.

Broader context of strained relations with allies

The withdrawal from Germany reportedly followed Trump’s threats after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized U.S. actions in the Iran conflict.

Trump has faced criticism from European officials for reshaping U.S. foreign policy, with concerns raised about Washington’s commitment to NATO’s principle of collective defense.

The Pentagon said the withdrawal from Germany is expected to be implemented over the next six to twelve months.

This would return the number of U.S. troops in Europe to pre-2022 levels, before President Joe Biden increased the American military presence in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Tagovi

NATO USA Donald Trump Germany Poland US Armed Forces

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