Armed Services GOP chairmen criticize withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany
Republican leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees expressed concern over President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany. They argued the move could weaken deterrence against Russia and urged relocating the troops further east in Europe. The withdrawal comes amid tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had criticized U.S. policy toward Iran.
- ▪Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers issued a joint statement criticizing the troop withdrawal.
- ▪The chairmen praised Chancellor Friedrich Merz for increasing Germany’s defense spending and supporting U.S. operations.
- ▪They warned that reducing U.S. presence in Europe prematurely could undermine deterrence and embolden Vladimir Putin.
- ▪The Pentagon stated the withdrawal follows a review of force posture and will be completed in six to twelve months.
- ▪Merz had publicly criticized Iran's treatment of the U.S., calling it a national humiliation, which may have influenced Trump's decision.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees criticized on Saturday President Donald Trump’s move to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, amid a feud with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) released a joint statement saying they were “very concerned” over the Trump administration’s Friday announcement that 5,000 troops would be withdrawn from Germany. In the statement, the duo praised Merz’s role in boosting Germany’s defense spending and providing limited logistical support for U.S. forces in Operation Epic Fury.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Washington Examiner
