US General warns Trump over missile defence strain

Gen. Alexus Grynkewich

A senior US military commander has privately warned President Donald Trump's administration that America's military resources are being stretched to a dangerous level, raising concerns that continued support for Israel could leave the United States with reduced capacity to defend its own territory.

According to a report by The Washington Post, the warning highlights growing pressure on US missile defence assets as the conflict involving Iran continues to consume critical military resources.

Behind-the-Scenes Warning to the Pentagon

The report says Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US European Command, told senior Pentagon officials he does not have enough naval forces to continue protecting Israel from ballistic missile attacks without reinforcing his command.

According to officials cited by the newspaper, Grynkewich warned that unless another US Navy destroyer is deployed, he may be forced to prioritise defending the US homeland over intercepting missiles aimed at Israel.

The correspondence, described by officials familiar with the matter, reflects mounting concern over finite military resources as commanders compete for ships, missile interceptors and personnel.

Growing Pressure on US Military Readiness

US European Command plays a central role in coordinating military operations across the Mediterranean and supporting Israel's air and missile defence. American destroyers operating in the eastern Mediterranean have repeatedly intercepted missiles launched by Iran and Iran-backed Houthi forces targeting Israel.

At the same time, the command must remain prepared to respond to any escalation involving Russia and fulfil NATO commitments across Europe, placing further strain on available assets.

Strategic Questions Mount

Defence officials told the newspaper that such warnings are a routine part of military planning when commanders identify operational risks requiring attention in Washington. However, the reported message underscores growing concerns about balancing overseas commitments with domestic defence priorities.

Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said wartime operations inevitably erode readiness and reduce stockpiles of precision munitions. He argued the situation raises broader questions about the long-term strategy underpinning the US military's expanding commitments.

Balancing Global Commitments

The reported warning comes as Washington faces increasing pressure to sustain support for allies while maintaining sufficient resources to deter threats elsewhere. With missile defence systems, naval deployments and interceptor stockpiles under growing demand, the challenge is becoming not only one of military capability but also of strategic prioritisation.

The Pentagon has not publicly commented on the reported correspondence, but the episode illustrates the difficult choices confronting US defence planners as multiple global security crises compete for limited military resources.

General sounds the alarm as Trump puts US citizens in grave danger