NATO and senior US Republican leaders have voiced concern over the Pentagon’s decision to withdraw about 5,000 American troops from Germany within the next six to twelve months. The announcement came amid tensions in transatlantic relations linked to the Middle East conflict and followed a dispute between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. NATO said it is working with the United States to understand the details of the redeployment.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated that the move underscores the need for Europe to increase defense investment and take greater responsibility for collective security. Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the withdrawal as “predictable.” Republican lawmakers Roger Wicker and Mike Rogers warned that the decision could send the wrong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that European defense spending increases will take time to translate into real capabilities.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin is prepared for the reduction and is discussing the matter within NATO structures, emphasizing that major US bases such as Ramstein Air Base remain vital and are not under discussion.