Trump administration to cut 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- The Pentagon plans to withdraw about 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany over the next 6 to 12 months, signaling President Trump's dissatisfaction with European allies' support in the U.S.-Iran conflict.
- The move affects one brigade combat team and a long-range fires battalion, and is intended to refocus U.S. military priorities on the homeland and the Indo-Pacific region.
- Germany hosts over 36,000 active U.S. troops, including key command centers and the Ramstein Air Base, which remains critical for operations and medical care for injured troops.
- The decision follows tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stemming from disagreements over U.S. strategy on Iran and NATO's role, with Trump criticizing NATO as ineffective.
- Trump has long criticized NATO allies for insufficient defense spending and reliance on the U.S., and previously considered troop reductions in Germany, a plan reversed by President Biden.
