Senior Republican lawmakers in the United States have criticised a Pentagon decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, warning that it could weaken NATO’s deterrence posture and send an unintended signal to Russia.
Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, who lead the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, said the troops should instead be repositioned further east in Europe rather than withdrawn entirely. They argued that maintaining a strong forward military presence remains essential as European allies continue increasing defence spending.
A Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell, said the decision followed a comprehensive review of operational needs and current conditions on the ground. He added that the withdrawal is expected to take place over the next six to twelve months.
President Donald Trump indicated that additional troop reductions could follow, though he did not provide specifics. The United States currently has more than 36,000 active-duty personnel stationed in Germany, its largest military presence in Europe.
Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius described the move as “foreseeable,” while emphasising that the presence of US troops in Europe continues to benefit both countries.
The NATO alliance has requested further clarification from Washington, amid growing concern among member states about the potential impact on regional security.
In their joint statement, Wicker and Rogers warned that reducing troop levels prematurely could undermine deterrence before European capabilities are fully strengthened. They specifically cautioned that such a move could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The decision has also drawn criticism from Democrats. Representative Adam Smith argued that the withdrawal lacks a clear strategic basis, suggesting it is driven by political considerations rather than national security priorities.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmaker Clay Higgins voiced support for the move, while criticising what he described as inefficiencies within Congress.
The announcement comes amid tensions between Washington and Berlin. President Trump recently criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over remarks suggesting the United States lacked a clear strategy in dealing with Iran.
The US has already begun adjusting its military footprint in Europe as part of a broader strategic shift toward the Indo-Pacific region. Previous decisions included reducing troop levels in Romania.
Leaders within NATO have warned that continued reductions could strain the alliance. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioned that internal divisions pose a serious risk to transatlantic unity and called for stronger cooperation among allies.
At the same time, Germany has significantly increased its defence spending in recent years and is projected to exceed NATO’s previous 2% GDP target, reflecting broader efforts by European countries to take on greater responsibility for regional security.
While US officials describe the troop reduction as part of a long-term strategic realignment, concerns persist that the move could alter the balance of security in Europe at a sensitive geopolitical moment.
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