Two senior US Republican lawmakers have sharply criticized the Pentagon's decision to withdraw 5,000 American troops from Germany, arguing that the move undermines deterrence and sends the wrong message to Russia. Senators Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, who chair the Senate and House armed services committees respectively, said the troops should be redeployed further east rather than brought home.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the decision on Friday, stating it was based on a thorough review of theater requirements and conditions on the ground. On Saturday, President Donald Trump hinted at further reductions, though he offered no specifics. The US currently maintains over 36,000 active-duty troops in Germany, its largest European deployment.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told DPA news agency that the withdrawal was "foreseeable" but stressed that American presence in Europe remains vital for both sides. NATO said it is seeking clarification from Washington.
In a joint statement, Wicker and Rogers expressed concern that withdrawing a brigade before European allies fully implement increased defense spending would weaken deterrence and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. They called for the 5,000 troops to be moved eastward instead.
Democratic Representative Adam Smith criticized the decision as politically motivated, claiming it stems from President Trump's desire for revenge. However, Republican Representative Clay Higgins backed the move, sarcastically suggesting the Senate should be sent to protect Western Europe instead.
The troop cut follows tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whom Trump accused of downplaying Iranian threats. Last year, the US also reduced its troop presence in Romania as part of a strategic shift toward the Indo-Pacific.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the decision threatens the cohesion of NATO, calling the disintegration of the alliance the greatest danger to the transatlantic community. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart emphasized that the move underscores the need for Europe to invest more in defense.
Despite previous criticism of Germany's defense spending, Berlin is projected to increase its military budget to 3.1% of GDP by 2027, including aid to Ukraine. The Pentagon expects the withdrawal to be completed within six to twelve months.