US Marine Corps. Illustration photo

This information was released by CNN on March 19, citing a US defense official and a summary document obtained by the news agency.

The document said that halting plans to increase the number of US troops stationed in Japan could save about $1.1 billion, but could also expose the US to “political risks” in Japan and reduce its command and control in the Pacific.

The United States plans to reorganize its forces in Japan into a single entity to better coordinate with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. The Trump administration is currently reviewing the structure and organization of the federal government, including shrinking or dissolving some agencies and departments.

The US Department of Defense said it would work to improve through cooperation with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and tasked with finding ways to help the government cut spending.

Measures the US Department of Defense is considering include merging the commands of its European and African forces into a single unit, CNN reported. Another measure mentioned in the document is to eliminate the department that oversees the development, training and education of joint forces.