Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon is reportedly considering to drastically reduce U.S. force levels in Europe by about one-third, including associated tanks, planes and ships. That would amount to about 25,000 troops but could go as high as 40,000, or about one-half of the current deployment. “The prospect of such dramatic cuts has alarmed lawmakers from both parties and European governments concerned about emboldening Russia,” NBC editorialized when reporting this yesterday. “Such a withdrawal could radically reshape America’s relationship with its major allies and force European countries to forge new partnerships at a volatile moment, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.” Countries affected by the cuts will likely include Germany, Italy and Spain, NBC’s sources said.

Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the supreme allied commander and the head of U.S. European Command, was expected to have provided the results of his analysis as part of a six month review of the American force posture in Europe on Friday. The final recommendation is due in Hegseth’s office on Nov. 6. “The analysis by Grynkewich will likely outline four courses of action that could include cuts to American aviation, naval personnel and ground troops, or other capabilities, and possibly shifting some forces within Europe to countries on NATO’s eastern flank,” NBC reported.

Poland is likely to be a beneficiary of any change in U.S. force posture in Europe, however. Trump said on Truth Social on Thursday that “Thanks to the bold leadership” of Polish President Karol Nawrocki, “major progress is being made toward establishing a U.S. Army base in Poland. If this happens, the location will be announced very soon.” Some of the troops to be pulled out of Germany and Italy could wind up in Poland.