Trump says US will reduce number of troops in Germany 'lot further' than withdrawal of 5,000
President Donald Trump announced a plan to significantly reduce U.S. troop levels in Germany, going beyond the Pentagon's initial proposal to withdraw 5,000 soldiers. The move has drawn bipartisan criticism in the U.S. and concern from European allies over its implications for trans-Atlantic security and relations with Russia. German officials acknowledged the need for Europe to take more responsibility for defense while emphasizing the mutual benefits of continued U.S. military presence.
- ▪President Donald Trump stated the U.S. will reduce troops in Germany by more than the Pentagon's planned 5,000.
- ▪The withdrawal has faced bipartisan resistance in Washington due to concerns about sending a weak signal to Russia.
- ▪Germany's defense minister Boris Pistorius said European nations must take greater responsibility for their own security.
- ▪Trump criticized the European Union's trade compliance and plans to raise tariffs on EU-made cars and trucks to 25 percent.
- ▪The U.S. increased troop levels in Europe after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with around 80,000–100,000 personnel typically stationed there.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
U.S. President Donald Trump talks to reporters before he boards Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., May 2, en route Miami. AP-YonhapWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the U.S. will significantly reduce its troop presence in Germany, escalating a dispute with Chancellor Friedrich Merz as he seeks to scale back America’s commitment to European security .The Pentagon on Friday had initially announced it would pull some 5,000 troops out of Germany, but when asked Saturday about the reason for the move, Trump didn't offer an explanation and said an even bigger reduction was coming.“We’re going to cut way down.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Korea Times News.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Korea Times News
