Trump faces GOP backlash over Germany troop pullout as Putin warning grows

Republican lawmakers warned the move would send “the wrong signal” to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

“We are very concerned by the decision to withdraw an American brigade from Germany,” Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Mike Rogers said.

Wicker and Rogers chair the Senate and House armed services committees, respectively.

“A premature reduction of America’s forward presence in Europe before these capabilities are fully implemented risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin,” the lawmakers said in their full statement.

On May 3, Trump confirmed that some U.S. troops would leave bases in Germany, saying the reduction would exceed the previously reported 5,000 personnel.

CBS News and Reuters reported on May 1 that the Pentagon could withdraw about 5,000 U.S. service members from Germany. The reports said the possible move was linked to Trump’s frustration with European allies over their position on the war against Iran.

After that, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius urged European countries to strengthen their defenses. He called Trump’s plans an “expected step” that should push Europeans to take greater responsibility for their own security.