Ranking Member Shaheen Calls for President Trump to Maintain U.S. Force Posture in Romania

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement following reports that the U.S. will reduce its troop presence in Romania by nearly half.

"This is a deeply misguided move that undercuts our efforts to pressure Putin to finally come to the negotiating table and to bolster our European partners' ability to defend themselves. Romania is a model ally that has stepped up time and again, including hosting American service members and advanced weapons platforms and committing to spend 5% of GDP on defense in line with NATO goals. President Trump's plan to host Romanian President Nicusor Dan early next year is evidence that the President understands that Romania has been more than carrying its weight.

"This decision sends exactly the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin as he continues his murderous campaign in Ukraine and tests NATO resolve through provocations against other frontline states. Withdrawing American troops from Romania directly undermines President Trump's recent and welcome efforts to finally ratchet up pressure on Putin to come to the negotiating table.

"It appears that this decision by Secretary Hegseth and Under Secretary Colby may not have been made in coordination with the White House, National Security Advisor, Department of State or Congress. I urge President Trump to clarify our commitment to Allies like Romania who demonstrate a clear commitment to burden sharing and protecting U.S. national interests. U.S. credibility in NATO is at stake; it is important that the Trump Administration reverse this decision without delay."

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