US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered 14% of U.S. troops stationed in Germany to leave within the next year. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell added that “the decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theatre requirements and conditions on the ground.”
This comes after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being “humiliated” by its actions against Iran, while criticising its lack of strategy in the war. Donald Trump replied that Mr Merz “doesn’t know what he’s talking about” and that his focus should be on “fixing his broken country.”
This move has been largely unpopular among many members of Congress, who believe it will weaken US security against Russia. Senator Jack Reed stated that “the president should immediately cease this reckless action before he causes irreversible consequences for our alliances and long-term national security.”
Germany has multiple U.S. military facilities, including the headquarters of its European and Africa commands. There are also many important services for U.S. troops, such as a medical centre where casualties from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were treated. Germany is also home to U.S. nuclear missiles.
EU correspondents have stated that the U.S. is “a vital partner in contributing to Europe’s security and defence.” However, Trump is continuing to threaten to pull troops from Spain and Italy.
This controversial move has come at a difficult time for President Trump, as a recent poll has shown that the current war on Iran is as unpopular as the Vietnam War, with 61% of people surveyed by The Washington Post and ABC News agreeing that the war was a mistake.
Despite these numbers, Trump and his administration continue to describe the war as a success and have repeatedly stated that America is winning
