What Donald Trump announced is happening. On Friday, the Pentagon announced that the United States would withdraw 5,000 troops from military bases in Germany, thus fulfilling the US president's threat, which he made after exchanging blows with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
This is a relatively small reduction in troop levels — and a retreat from the process of increasing the American presence in Europe initiated by Joe Biden in response to Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Even after the planned withdrawal of these forces, approximately 38,000 will still be stationed in Germany. American soldiers. Trump, who has repeatedly lamented the failure of NATO countries to support his attack on Iran, has warned for months that the US would withdraw its military forces from Europe.
He had long had a good relationship with Merz—until recently. Earlier this week, the German Chancellor declared that the entire American people were being humiliated by the Iranian authorities. He added that the United States is unable to end the war quickly “because the Iranians are clearly stronger than previously thought, and the Americans apparently do not have a truly convincing strategy in the negotiations.”
In response, Trump attacked Merz. “He has no idea what he's talking about!” — he wrote on the “Truth Social” platform. He added that it was no wonder “that Germany is doing so badly, both economically and in other respects!” He also accused the German Chancellor of agreeing to Iran having nuclear weapons.
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On Friday, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, after conducting a review of American forces in Europe, ordered the withdrawal of some troops from Germany. – We expect that [proces] the phaseout will be completed within the next six to 12 months, Parnell said.
Benefit for Russia
Trump first broached the topic of withdrawing troops from Germany on Wednesday, an expression of his frustration with NATO and limited support from European allies for his war with Iran. According to information obtained by “Die Welt” and “POLITICO”, this threat surprised Pentagon officials – previously they had not heard anything about the possible withdrawal of troops from Europe.
There are approximately 38,000 stationed in Germany. American soldiers, there is also the US European Command and the US Forces in Africa Command. This is the largest deployment of American armed forces in Europe to date.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon completed a review of its global military deployment. In his subsequent report, he did not recommend a major withdrawal of troops from Europe, but advised to concentrate more resources on the Western Hemisphere and the Pacific and to leave the issue of European security to European states.
According to military observers, the withdrawal of some American soldiers from Germany should not have a major impact on European security. Most NATO members allocate more resources to their own military capabilities and increase the size of their armed forces.
Not all Republicans agree with Donald Trump's decision. Brad Bowman, a former national security adviser to Republican senators Kelly Ayotte and Todd Young, said that withdrawing US troops from Germany it will primarily harm the United States and benefit its adversaries such as Russia.
— The U.S. military presence in Europe, including Germany, not only strengthens deterrence against further Kremlin aggression, but also facilitates the projection of American military power in the Mediterranean region, Bowman said.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
