Republican Lawmakers Criticize Troop Reduction in Romania

Republican leaders overseeing U.S. military activities criticized Trump's decision to cut troops in Romania, a move conflicting with the President's own strategy. Concerns arise over NATO security amid Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump's inconsistent stance on Russia further complicates the geopolitical landscape.

In a rare display of bipartisan criticism, prominent Republican lawmakers overseeing the Pentagon's activities have condemned the Trump administration's decision to reduce troop levels in Romania. The move has stirred controversy as concerns mount over the United States' commitment to its NATO allies in light of escalating Russian aggression.

Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees respectively, released a joint statement slamming the troop reduction as uncoordinated and contradictory to President Trump's strategic stance. Their opposition highlights potential security lapses on NATO's eastern front, at a sensitive time with Russia's continued military actions in Ukraine.

The decision has fueled worries among European allies, who were previously advised by Washington to bolster their own defense preparedness. Meanwhile, President Trump's fluctuating relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and newly imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies add further complexity to the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)