Special Poll
GOP Lawmakers Push Back Against Reports of Trump Restructuring Military Command Structure
Republican leaders in Congress have raised concerns over reports suggesting President Trump’s administration is considering a significant overhaul of the U.S. military’s combatant command structure. In a rare pushback against the president during his second term, key GOP lawmakers have warned against making such changes without congressional oversight.
In a joint statement released Wednesday, House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) expressed strong opposition to any unilateral adjustments to U.S. military leadership roles, particularly those affecting American command in NATO operations. The response follows a report from NBC News that revealed the Pentagon is evaluating the possibility of relinquishing its role as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) as part of a broader command restructuring.
“U.S. combatant commands are the tip of the American warfighting spear. Therefore, we are very concerned about reports that claim [the Defense Department] is considering unilateral changes on major strategic issues, including significant reductions to U.S. forces stationed abroad, absent coordination with the White House and Congress,” the two committee chairs stated.
While the lawmakers voiced support for Trump’s push to ensure allied nations contribute more to the NATO alliance, they made it clear that they will not accept major structural changes without proper consultation. They emphasized that such moves could undermine U.S. deterrence strategies, weaken diplomatic leverage, and disrupt the country’s global defense strategy.
“We support President Trump’s efforts to ensure our allies and partners increase their contributions to strengthen our alliance structure, and we support continuing America’s leadership abroad,” the statement continued. “As such, we will not accept significant changes to our warfighting structure that are made without a rigorous interagency process, coordination with combatant commanders and the Joint Staff, and collaboration with Congress.”
The GOP leaders signaled that they are prepared to use legislative tools, including funding controls, to block any major adjustments to the military’s leadership structure if the administration attempts to proceed unilaterally.
For 75 years, a U.S. four-star general has led NATO military operations in Europe, a tradition that has ensured strong American leadership within the alliance. Currently, Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli serves as SACEUR and head of U.S. European Command, playing a crucial role in coordinating military assistance to Ukraine and overseeing allied operations.
As the debate over U.S. military leadership unfolds, congressional oversight is set to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future defense strategy. The Republican-led Armed Services Committees are poised to challenge any restructuring efforts that could shift the country’s longstanding role within NATO and beyond.