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The Pentagon has unexpectedly canceled the deployment of an armored brigade to Poland, marking a significant step in line with U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans to reduce the American military presence in Europe, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
According to the report, the decision surprised some military officials and came shortly after the Pentagon announced plans earlier this month to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany.
That move followed Trump’s anger over German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of the White House’s handling of the U.S. war with Iran.
Trump has since signaled that the reductions would extend beyond Germany.
“We’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” Trump told reporters previously, warning that troop reductions could also affect U.S. deployments in Italy and Spain.
According to U.S. officials cited by the newspaper, the canceled deployment involved the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, a force consisting of more than 4,000 troops.
The brigade had been scheduled for deployment to Poland, although some of its units could also have been stationed elsewhere in Europe.
The Pentagon reportedly views the move as part of a broader restructuring of America’s military posture across the continent.
According to Pentagon officials, the overall goal is for European allies to assume greater responsibility for conventional defense, allowing Washington to scale back its role.
The report said military commanders had already prepared proposals for implementing troop reductions in Germany. However, many within the defense establishment expected a gradual review process.
Instead, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moved more quickly than anticipated, surprising some officials.
According to the report, some troops and military equipment from the brigade, known as the “Black Jack” brigade, were already en route when the deployment was canceled.
The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the Trump administration was considering withdrawing troops from European countries that did not support Washington during the war with Iran.
The current move is deemed notable because the Trump administration has maintained close relations with Poland.
Trump had earlier suggested that some troops withdrawn from Germany could instead be redeployed to Poland.
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