German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany was 'foreseeable'. Speaking to DPA news agency, he emphasized that 'the presence of American soldiers in Europe, and particularly in Germany, is in our interest and in the interest of the US'.

NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said the alliance is 'working with the US to understand the details of their decision'. The US maintains over 36,000 active duty troops in Germany, its largest contingent in Europe, compared to about 12,000 in Italy and 10,000 in the UK.

The move follows President Donald Trump's criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who allegedly stated that the US had been 'humiliated' by Iranian negotiators. Trump has also suggested pulling troops from Italy and Spain.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that 'the greatest threat to the transatlantic community are not its external enemies, but the ongoing disintegration of our alliance'. Two senior Republican lawmakers expressed being 'very concerned', arguing that maintaining a strong deterrent in Europe is in the US interest.

Pistorius stressed that Europe must take greater responsibility for its security. Germany has significantly boosted military spending, projected to reach €105.8 billion by 2027, equivalent to 3.1% of GDP, including aid to Ukraine.

The spat was triggered by Merz telling university students that 'the Americans clearly have no strategy' and that the US was being 'humiliated' by Iran. Trump responded on Truth Social, claiming Merz thinks it's 'OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon' and 'doesn't know what he's talking about'.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the withdrawal order came from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and is expected to be completed within six to twelve months. Trump, a longtime NATO critic, has been lashing out at allies over their refusal to participate in operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: www.bbc.com