Blindsided by President Donald Trump’s drawdown of troops in Europe, Republican defense hawks say they’re eyeing action to push back.
Trump’s successive changes have inflamed Republicans focused on defense who argue that reducing America’s military footprint in Europe undermines NATO and signals weakness to Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the Republicans back Trump’s push for allies to share more of the burden for Europe’s security, the president’s surprise moves have provoked a potential legislative backlash.
Closed-door discussions are underway to draft provisions in the next defense spending and policy bills that would potentially withhold funding for any troop changes or direct the reversal of recent moves. Lawmakers told NOTUS they are weighing their options as they draft their next National Defense Authorization Act, a massive bill that is likely to pass by year’s end.