US troop movements in Europe not ‘punitive,’ Rubio says after Poland reversal

Published May 22, 2026 11:41am ET | Updated May 22, 2026 11:43am ET



Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied on Friday that the administration’s ongoing reshuffling of its force posture in Europe is “punitive.”

The U.S. military’s footprint has been a hot topic in Washington and European capitals following President Donald Trump’s recent announcements that the United States would withdraw thousands of troops from Germany and Poland, though he later announced additional U.S. troops would be deployed to the latter.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.