Berlin reacts as Washington plans to reduce military presence in Europe.
Germany has said the planned withdrawal of 5,000 US troops was “foreseeable,” as NATO seeks clarity on Washington’s next steps. The move is part of a broader shift in US military strategy under Donald Trump.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that US forces remain important for both countries, even as troop levels are set to drop. NATO confirmed it is working with the US to understand the scope and timeline of the decision.
Trump indicated the reduction may go beyond 5,000 troops, saying further cuts are planned but offering no specifics. The US currently has its largest European deployment in Germany, with tens of thousands of personnel stationed there.
The move follows tensions between Washington and Berlin, including criticism of Friedrich Merz over remarks about US strategy in Iran. It also aligns with a broader US pivot toward the Indo-Pacific region.
With concerns rising among allies, the decision has sparked debate over NATO’s strength and the future of US military commitment in Europe.
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