© picture alliance/dpa | Laszlo Pinter
For German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, it comes as no surprise that the United States has announced the withdrawal of 5,000 American soldiers from Germany.
On Friday evening, a Pentagon spokesman announced that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from military bases the US military has in Germany. US President Donald Trump had announced several times in the past that he planned to reduce the US military presence in Europe. Trump has repeatedly urged NATO member states to give him more support in his plans.
The announced withdrawal, which would take six months to a year, cannot be separated from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's criticism of Trump's approach to the Middle East conflict earlier this week.
According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany was "foreseeable" and Germany is on the right track to be more responsible for its own security. Germany is making great efforts in expanding its armed forces and purchasing new military equipment.
Currently, some 35,000 to 40,000 military personnel are stationed on German soil in bases such as Ramstein, Landstuhl and Grafenwöhr.
The US could also withdraw troops from other European countries after criticizing Trump or (according to the US president) providing too little support to the US. In this regard, Trump recently spoke of Spain and Italy.
Picture: © picture alliance/dpa | Laszlo Pinter