Fox News: Trump's Plan To Pull Troops Out Of Germany Could Fail
- 3.05.2026, 13:27
Reasons disclosed.
US President Donald Trump is seeking to reduce the number of American troops in Europe, announcing plans to withdraw some of the army from Germany. However, such plans could fail.
This is reported by Fox News, noting that Congressional restrictions could be the reason. As noted by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, Trump has ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. military personnel from Germany over the next six to 12 months. However, Congress has set a minimum limit on the number of troops in Europe at no less than 76,000.
To implement its plans, the Trump administration must provide an analysis of potential risks and prove that such a move would not harm U.S. and NATO interests. And while Congress cannot directly veto such a decision, it controls finances and could limit funding for troop redeployment, effectively paralyzing the process.
"This rule doesn't prohibit the administration from going below 76,000, but it sets up hurdles it will have to overcome," said Jeff Rathke, president of the American-German Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
How many U.S. troops are stationed in Europe
According to Fox News, the U.S. has deployed about 54,000 military personnel in three countries in the region alone. Namely, 36,000 in Germany, about 13,000 in Italy and about 4,000 in Spain. Germany and Italy host key U.S. bases that serve as logistical centers for operations in the Middle East. And any significant drawdown could make it more difficult for the US to go to war with Iran.
What the US faces in withdrawing troops from Europe
As Seth Jones, a defense analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, warned, Trump probably has the authority to redeploy or even withdraw troops. But that raises broader questions about military strategy during a long conflict.
"My question is not so much about legal authority, but about the strategic rationale for withdrawing troops, especially if it's for political rather than strategic reasons," Jones explained.
He noted in particular the importance of key bases in Europe, particularly in Spain, which gives the U.S. the ability to rapidly deploy its forces in North Africa. And bases in Germany allow the U.S. to deploy troops in both the African and European theaters of operations.
"The Russian threat to Eastern Europe remains serious," Jones explained, adding that some of the U.S. bases in Germany are located out of range of certain Russian missiles and drones. And if troops were to be withdrawn, this could lead to significant logistical problems for Washington.
The publication notes that large-scale U.S. troop movements could also be difficult in practice, especially in the short term. In particular, it would require funding and new infrastructure for the withdrawn troops.
The journalists recall that Congress has previously intervened to block troop withdrawals from Europe. In particular, Trump during his first term ordered the withdrawal of 12,000 military personnel from Germany, accusing Berlin of insufficient contributions to NATO defense. Then the White House resident's plans were not realized.