politics
US Withdraws 5,000 Troops from Germany
The Pentagon has decided to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany following a review, with the process expected to take six to 12 months. Senior Republican lawmakers criticized the move as risking deterrence against Russia, while NATO seeks clarification and European officials stress mutual interests. The decision follows tensions over defense spending and recent comments on U.S. foreign policy.
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The Pentagon announced the withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, stating the move follows a thorough review of theater requirements and conditions on the ground. The withdrawal is expected to be completed over the next six to 12 months. This reduces the U.S. presence, which currently includes more than 36,000 active duty troops in the country.
Two senior Republican lawmakers, Roger Wicker and Mike Rogers, who chair the Senate and House armed services committees respectively, expressed concern that the decision risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Russia. They suggested moving the troops further east instead of withdrawing them entirely.
In a joint statement, they noted that European allies are increasing defense spending, but premature reductions could affect security.
The senior Democrat on the House armed services committee, Adam Smith, stated the decision is not grounded in coherent U.S. national security policy but stems from the president's hurt feelings and political vengeance. Republican committee member Clay Higgins supported the move, posting on X that pulling troops from Germany matches well with perceived European attitudes and jokingly suggested sending the Senate there.
These responses highlight divisions within Congress on the troop adjustment. President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that further cuts could occur, beyond the initial 5,000, without providing details. He has also suggested potential troop reductions in Italy and Spain.
This follows last year's reduction in Romania as part of shifting U.S. military focus to the Indo-Pacific region.
Pistorius stated that the U.S. troop presence in Europe, particularly Germany, is in the mutual interest of both nations and was foreseeable. He emphasized strengthening the European pillar within NATO. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the greatest threat to the transatlantic community is the disintegration of the alliance and called for efforts to reverse this trend.
