US troop cuts in Germany will go far beyond initial withdrawal plan, says Trump
Germany's defense minister has said Europe needs to take more responsibility for its own security. Top Republicans warn reducing troop numbers sends the "wrong signal" to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
US President Donald Trump has said he intends to reduce the number of American troops stationed in Germany “a lot further,” following a Defense Department decision to withdraw around 5,000 service members.
Speaking to reporters in Florida on Saturday, Trump stated: “We’re going to cut way down and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000.” A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the initial withdrawal would be completed within six to 12 months.
The move also includes scrapping a Biden-era plan to deploy a US battalion equipped with long-range Tomahawk missiles to Germany. The United States currently maintains more than 50,000 troops in the country, dw.com reports.
The announcement comes amid growing political debate in Washington and Europe. German officials have said European nations must take greater responsibility for their own security, while some US lawmakers have warned that reducing troop levels could weaken deterrence and send the “wrong signal” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Senators Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, chairs of key congressional armed services committees, expressed concern, saying any major changes to US force posture in Europe should be coordinated with Congress.
Military analysts say the reduction could create a significant gap in NATO’s defensive structure, particularly along its eastern flank, where US forces play a key deterrent role.
