The Pentagon plans to reduce the number of American troops it pledges to NATO for emergency response, according to sources familiar with internal deliberations, marking a significant shift in U.S. commitments to the 75-year-old alliance.
The proposed reduction would affect forces designated under NATO’s Defense Planning Process, the system that ensures member nations contribute adequate military capabilities during crises. While exact numbers remain classified, the change would lower the total U.S. troop count available for rapid deployment to defend European allies against threats.
This move comes as the Trump administration pressures NATO members to meet their defense spending commitments. Currently, only 23 of 32 alliance members reach the 2% GDP target for military spending that NATO established as a baseline. The United States spends roughly 3.5% of its GDP on defense, far exceeding most European partners.
Defense officials speaking on background characterized the reduction as a rebalancing rather than a withdrawal, arguing that decades of underinvestment by European nations have left American taxpayers shouldering disproportionate costs for continental defense. They pointed to expanded threats in the Indo-Pacific, particularly from China, as requiring reallocation of U.S. military resources.
The timing raises concerns among national security experts. Russia continues its war in Ukraine, now in its third year, while Moscow has repeatedly tested NATO resolve through provocations along the alliance’s eastern flank. Just last month, Russian aircraft violated Swedish airspace twice in one week.
Former NATO officials worry the reduction sends the wrong signal at a precarious moment. “Our European allies are finally increasing defense budgets after years of prodding,” said one retired four-star general who commanded U.S. forces in Europe. “Pulling back commitments now could undermine that momentum.”
The proposed force reduction requires approval from senior Defense Department leadership and would be implemented gradually rather than immediately. Pentagon planners are developing options that maintain critical capabilities while reducing overall numbers.
Congressional reaction will likely divide along familiar lines. Republicans who have long criticized European free-riding on American military protection may support the move as overdue accountability. Democrats and traditional defense hawks worry about weakening deterrence against Russian aggression.
The change would not affect the approximately 100,000 U.S. troops permanently stationed in Europe, only those earmarked for crisis response under NATO planning protocols.
Key Points
- Pentagon plans to lower the number of American troops committed to NATO emergency response under alliance defense planning
- Officials frame the reduction as rebalancing toward Asia while pressuring European allies to increase their own defense spending
- Move comes as Russia continues war in Ukraine and repeatedly tests NATO resolve along eastern borders
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/05/19/us-plans-to-shrink-forces-available-to-nato-during-crises-sources-say/ – May 19, 2026
