The decision is intended to show NATO allies that the United States has not abandoned Europe entirely when it comes to security, the sources said.
According to the report, Trump personally informed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte of his decision to appoint a new commander for NATO forces in Europe, and an official announcement is expected soon.
U.S. officials told Reuters that the next candidate for both SACEUR and head of U.S. European Command (EUCOM) is Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich.
Since its creation after WWII, the SACEUR position, which has oversight of all NATO operations in Europe, has been held by an American general. The current SACEUR, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, was appointed in July 2022.
“This decision will reassure NATO’s European allies and even some Republican lawmakers who worry that Washington’s tough talk toward Europe and skepticism about the war in Ukraine could signal a rapid pullback from its military leadership role,” the journalists wrote.
At the same time, the sources classified that earlier policy priorities voiced by senior U.S. officials—shifting assets away from Europe and towards Asia—were sincere and will likely have a tangible effect on European regional security.