'Wrong signal to Putin': Trump's party stunned by troop pullout from Germany
Photo: US military (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has faced unexpected opposition within his own party over plans to scale back the US presence in Europe. Leading Republicans have strongly opposed the president’s intention to withdraw American troops from Germany, a key NATO ally, according to Newsweek.
Members of Trump’s party believe such a move would give the Kremlin a freer hand. Reducing forces in Europe would be a fatal mistake and would undermine the system of collective deterrence.
“We are very concerned by the decision to withdraw a US brigade from Germany,” said Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers.
Wicker chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, while Rogers leads its counterpart in the House of Representatives. In their view, Washington must not project weakness.
“Prematurely reducing America’s forward presence in Europe before those capabilities are fully realized risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement.
Alternative plan: shifting eastward
Lawmakers propose not bringing troops home but redeploying them closer to the potential frontline. This would strengthen the security of allies bordering Russia.
Within the Republican Party, there is a belief that the US must remain the leader of the defense alliance. Weakening positions in Germany could provoke Russia into further escalation in the war against Ukraine.
Political pressure and the war in Iran
Criticism from allies comes amid another conflict — the war in Iran. The campaign has been ongoing for three months and is highly unpopular among voters, the outlet notes.
According to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll:
- 61% of Americans consider the start of the war in Iran a mistake;
- 79% of Republicans overall still support Trump;
- However, only 50% of Republicans outside the MAGA movement approve of his actions;
- Among MAGA supporters, approval remains high at 86%.
What led up to this
Trump confirmed that part of the US military contingent in Europe will leave Germany, stating it would be “more than 5,000 soldiers.”
Some Pentagon officials were reportedly shocked by the decision, as no withdrawal from the region had been planned until recently.
However, the department has also confirmed the plan. In a private conversation with The New York Times, a senior official described it as "punishment" for Germany over its stance on the war in Iran.
