“Troops will remain in Romania, but there will be changes in the way they rotate and the number that rotates,” Hegseth told reporters at the White House alongside President Donald Trump.
Trump rejected claims that the Pentagon acted independently of the White House in making the decision to withdraw a certain number of US troops from Romania, insisting that it was a broader realignment and not a reduction in the US military presence in Europe.
Asked by reporters about the decision, which appeared to contradict his earlier statement that he would not withdraw US forces from Europe, Trump said the Pentagon “isn’t ignoring anything I say.”
“What they’re doing … We’re making changes, we’re moving people,” Trump said, then called Hegseth to clarify.
“No. Nothing was uncoordinated with the White House,” Hegseth replied.
He pointed out that US relations with Romania are “very good”.
“We coordinated all this with (NATO) Secretary General (Mark) Rutte, through EUCOM and with our allies. Everyone was informed in advance,” added Hegseth.
Last month, Romania’s Defense Ministry said the US would reduce its presence in some countries on its eastern flank, including Romania, after NATO allies were formally informed of the decision.
Some US lawmakers have criticized the Pentagon’s decision to reduce US troop levels in Romania, calling the move “uncoordinated and directly contrary” to Trump’s strategy.
(Vijesti.ba)
