Reference News, January 21 report. According to the German news television channel website, on January 21, insiders revealed that the United States is planning to cut staff at several key NATO command centers. Three sources informed Reuters that this reduction involves approximately 200 positions responsible for military and intelligence operation planning. Affected institutions include the NATO Intelligence Fusion Center in the UK and the Allied Special Operations Command in Brussels. The Trump administration has informed some European governments about this matter. The Washington Post was the first to report on this plan.
A NATO representative, when asked about the issue, said that changes in the size of U.S. military personnel are not uncommon. Additionally, the current number of U.S. troops stationed in Europe has reached the highest level in many years. The White House and the U.S. Department of Defense have not yet responded to this issue. According to insiders, this move will reduce the number of U.S. military personnel in the relevant units by about half.
Although the number of positions being cut is negligible compared to the 80,000 U.S. troops stationed in Europe, its symbolic significance is very significant. This move aligns with the U.S. government's strategy of concentrating military resources more in the Western Hemisphere. In Europe, this measure may further intensify concerns about the future of NATO.
U.S. President Trump hopes the U.S. remains in NATO. Trump said he had helped make NATO stronger, but he "disagrees with many of NATO's practices." Trump said, "If NATO doesn't have us, it can't really be strong." He hinted to reporters that he could reach an agreement to acquire Greenland that would "satisfy NATO members." He added, "We will develop a solution that both NATO and we are very satisfied with. But for security reasons, we need Greenland." (Translated by Nie Litaotao)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7597750057680536090/
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