Trump’s US troop removal from Germany rebuked by Republicans, Nato
Two Republican lawmakers warn the move risks emboldening Putin and undermining deterrence.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday a new US drawdown of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany, to be completed over the next year. The move prompted immediate pushback from both NATO allies and members of Trump's own Republican party. A NATO spokesperson said the alliance is seeking details on the plan but stressed that Europe must continue investing more in its own defence, while still expressing confidence in its ability to provide deterrence.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned on Saturday that the transatlantic alliance risks disintegrating and called on all members to reverse what he called “this disastrous trend.” Republican lawmakers Roger Wicker (Mississippi) and Mike Rogers (Alabama), who chair the Senate and House Armed Services committees respectively, issued a joint statement on Saturday. They said that “prematurely reducing America’s forward presence in Europe before those capabilities are fully realised risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin.” The announcement comes amid Trump's growing frustration with European nations for not aiding the US war with Iran, and also coincided with a new 25% tariff on cars and trucks from the EU, disproportionately affecting German automakers.
- Roughly 5,000 US troops will be withdrawn from Germany over the next year, announced Friday, May 3, 2026.
- Republican committee chairs Roger Wicker and Mike Rogers publicly rebuked the move, warning it risks undermining deterrence against Russia.
- Polish PM Donald Tusk described the trend as 'disastrous' and warned the NATO alliance could disintegrate.
Why It Matters
The troop reduction weakens NATO's eastern flank and signals reduced US commitment to Europe at a critical time.