What to know about the US military presence in Europe as Trump seeks drawdown of thousands of troops
The US has around 80,000 to 100,000 troops in Europe, with over 36,000 in Germany; President Trump plans to reduce the number of troops in Germany by 5,000, with the possibility of further reductions.
The US maintains a significant military presence in Europe, with 80,000 to 100,000 troops on the continent. The deployment is a legacy of World War II and the Cold War, and has played a key role in supporting operations in the Arctic, Africa, and the Middle East. The US European Command, created in 1947, covers 50 countries and territories, with major troop deployments in Germany (over 36,000), Italy (over 12,000), and the UK (around 10,000). The Pentagon announced plans to remove 5,000 troops from Germany, with President Trump indicating further reductions are possible. The US military presence in Europe serves as a deterrent to Russia and enables the projection of power globally. Some lawmakers have expressed concern about the planned drawdown, suggesting that troops should be shifted to Eastern Europe instead.
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