Nearly 12,000 U.S. Troops to be Withdrawn From Germany

Also announced yesterday, the U.S. will also begin withdrawing nearly 12,000 troops from Germany.  Secretary of Defense Mark Esper confirmed the move will cost billions and take years to execute but President Trump believes it’s necessary since he claims Berlin has failed to meet NATO defense spending goals. The president said he no longer wants the U.S. to be financially responsible for protecting Europe, saying “We spend a lot of money on Germany, they take advantage of us on trade and they take advantage on the military, so we’re reducing the force.” The move is also meant to deter Russian influence and reassure our European allies since the nearly 12,000 troops and key command centers will be relocated across Eastern Europe. However, the president’s announcement to pull troops from a long-time NATO ally has been met with broad opposition and concern. It’s believed this move has the ability to damage relations with Germany and possibly Russia.