US Announces Withdrawal of 5,000 Troops from Germany

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.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said the alliance is working with the U.S. to understand the details of the decision, which underscores the need for Europe to invest more in defense. She noted progress since allies agreed to invest 2% of GDP on defense, with some references to a 2% target.

The alliance is seeking clarification from Washington on the move.

“Prematurely reducing America's forward presence in Europe before those capabilities are fully realised risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin.”

The announcement comes amid tensions after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented that the U.S. has been humiliated by Iranian negotiators in the ongoing war and lacks a clear strategy. Germany has increased its defense spending under recent governments, projecting 3.1% of GDP in 2027, including aid to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.

The U.S. maintains its largest European deployment in Germany, compared to about 12,000 troops in Italy and 10,000 in the UK. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell reiterated that the move recognizes current conditions. Concerns are growing within the 32-member NATO alliance that the decision could weaken the organization.

The withdrawal of a U.S. brigade was specifically highlighted in criticisms.

“The greatest threat to the transatlantic community is not its external enemies, but the ongoing disintegration of our alliance." — Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, on Saturday (BBC). The decision follows a review process, with no immediate reports of similar adjustments elsewhere. European allies continue to push for greater defense responsibility. Overall, the move reflects ongoing shifts in U.S. military priorities.”