Trump Criticizes Germany Over Iran Remarks, U.S. Plans to Withdraw 5,000 Troops from Germany
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated on May 2 that Europeans must take greater responsibility for their own security. This comment came in response to the U.S. announcement of plans to withdraw 5,000 soldiers from its forces stationed in Germany. NATO spokesperson Jamie Hart said the alliance is working with the United States to understand the details of its decision regarding troop deployment in Germany.
Earlier this week, after a dispute with German Chancellor Merz, Trump threatened to reduce military presence. Merz said on Monday that Iran had embarrassed the United States during negotiations to end the ongoing war, which has lasted for two months, and he could not discern what exit strategy Washington was pursuing.
A senior U.S. Department of Defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Germany’s recent remarks were "inappropriate and unhelpful in resolving the issue." The official added: "It is entirely legitimate for President Trump to respond to these counterproductive statements."
In response, the Pentagon announced that the U.S. plans to withdraw 5,000 service members from its forces deployed in Germany. Germany is a NATO member state; according to Boris Pistorius, the current number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany is "close to 40,000." This withdrawal is expected to be completed within the next 6 to 12 months.
The Associated Press noted that Germany currently hosts approximately 35,000 active-duty U.S. military personnel—the largest concentration of American forces in Europe. This reduction will bring the U.S. military presence in Europe back to roughly the levels seen before 2022, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted then-President Biden to increase troop deployments.
After the Pentagon released its announcement, Boris Pistorius stated, "Germany is moving in the right direction on defense," highlighting the expansion of the Bundeswehr, accelerated procurement of military equipment, and infrastructure development.
However, German military officials argue that Germany has done more than other allies in supporting the U.S. campaign against Iran, including allowing the use of military bases and approving overflight rights. Germany also hosts a large military hospital in Landsberg.
Facing strong criticism from Washington over European defense spending levels, NATO European member states—including Germany—have pledged to assume greater responsibility for their own defense. However, due to budget constraints and significant capability gaps, it will still take several years before Europe can fully meet its security needs.
Sources: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1864086429745152/
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