Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Two of the most powerful Republican lawmakers who control influential oversight committees overseeing the Pentagon have warned that they will not accept a proposed shakeup of US military command structures.

Some shit you should know before you read: Over the last week, reports have been circulating that the Trump administration is preparing to implement a major defense shakeup that could significantly alter the US military’s global command structure. The proposed changes include relinquishing the role of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), a position held exclusively by a US general since 1950, as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and cut costs. Additionally, the administration is considering merging US European Command (EUCOM) and US Africa Command (AFRICOM) into a single joint command based in Germany, a move that could reduce the American military footprint across both continents. Another key component of the plan reportedly involves canceling previously announced force expansion plans in Japan, potentially reshaping US strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. These proposals stem from an effort to cut the Pentagon budget by 8%.

What’s going on now: In a press release, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers issued a rare joint statement forcefully opposing the Trump administration’s reported plans to restructure US military commands. The two powerful Republican lawmakers made it clear that they would not allow such sweeping changes without congressional oversight, warning that “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.”

They specifically voiced concern over reports that the administration was considering giving up the US role as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), stating that such a move would “risk undermining American deterrence around the globe and detracting from our negotiating positions with America’s adversaries.” Wicker and Rogers stressed that Congress has constitutional authority over military spending and alluded that they would use the “power of the purse” to block any unapproved restructuring efforts.

Notably, both lawmakers expressed support for increasing NATO allies’ defense spending—something Trump has long championed—but made it clear that cost-cutting should not come at the expense of US global leadership.

This joint statement marks one of the first times two top Republican lawmakers have openly pushed back against President Trump’s decisions and signals that not all of Trump’s military reforms will be rubber-stamped.

The Pentagon and White House have not commented on the press release.