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Germany urges stronger European defense after US announces troop drawdown

World News

02-05-2026 | 10:29

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Germany urges stronger European defense after US announces troop drawdown

A planned drawdown of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany was expected, but should spur Europeans to strengthen their own defenses, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday, after Washington's latest salvo against transatlantic ties.

The Pentagon announced the drawdown from Germany, its largest European base, on Friday, as ‌a rift over the Iran war and tariff tensions place further strain on relations between the U.S. and Europe.

Trump called for a reduced military presence in Germany as far back as his first term and has repeatedly urged Europe to take responsibility for its defence. However, he stepped up the threat earlier this week after sparring with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has questioned Washington's exit strategy in the Middle East.

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