U.S. Redeploys 101st Brigade, Cuts Romania Troops

The United States has confirmed it is reducing its rotational troop presence on NATO’s eastern flank, with Romania saying about 1,000–1,200 rotational U.S. troops have been rotated out and roughly 1,000 remain in-country, lowering the overall NATO footprint there. U.S. Army Europe and Africa said the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne will redeploy without replacement and described the change as a balanced posture adjustment tied to a Trump administration shift toward the Indo‑Pacific and calls for greater European responsibility. Romanian officials and allies say key bases including Mihail Kogălniceanu, Deveselu and Câmpia Turzii will remain operational and characterize the move as an end to routine rotations rather than a full withdrawal. NATO officials have downplayed the adjustment, but eastern members remain concerned about a potential security gap amid Russia’s war in Ukraine, and reports say larger reductions are under consideration. Top Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Mike Rogers, issued a rare, forceful rebuke, calling the decision uncoordinated and a possible signal that could invite further Russian aggression.