Germany Urges New Boost From Europe on Its Own Defense After Trump Pulls US Troops
Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius responded to President Trump's decision to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany by urging greater European responsibility for defense within NATO. The move, anticipated by German officials, has prompted calls for increased defense investment across Europe. NATO acknowledged the shift and emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its military capabilities.
- ▪President Trump ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 American troops from Germany as part of a broader review of U.S. military presence in Europe.
- ▪Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated the troop withdrawal was expected and used the moment to advocate for a stronger European defense posture within NATO.
- ▪NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said the withdrawal underscores the need for European allies to invest more in defense.
- ▪The decision follows tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
- ▪Trump has also threatened troop reductions in Spain and Italy due to their criticism of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
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Germany Urges New Europe Defense Boost After Trump Pulls US Troops By Ward Clark | 11:58 AM on May 02, 2026 The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of RedState.com. AP Photo/Alex Brandon The United States has maintained a military presence in Germany since 1945, primarily as part of NATO's purpose, as the saying went, to keep the Soviets out and the Germans down. But times change, and with the Cold War over, the Soviet Union gone, and Russia struggling to hold ground in much smaller Ukraine, well, the times, they are a'changing.
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