European leaders see Trump’s troop drawdown from Germany as new proof they must go it alone
European leaders say President Donald Trump's decision to pull US troops out of Germany is a sign that Europe must take care of its own security. NATO officials are working with the US to understand the details of the troop withdrawal.
European leaders say President Donald Trump's decision to pull thousands of US troops out of Germany is a fresh sign that Europe must take care of its own security. The Pentagon announced it would pull around 5,000 troops, but Trump said the number would be higher. The move came as a surprise to NATO and amid a dispute between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Iran conflict. European countries have increased defense spending and military recruitment efforts in response to Trump's threats. NATO officials are working with the US to understand the details of the troop withdrawal. European leaders, including Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasized the need for a stronger European element in NATO.
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