Trump orders a Europe troop drawdown: what’s changing and why

The Pentagon is cutting about 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany as part of a broader shift in Europe force posture after Trump’s criticisms of allies. Two scheduled deployments were halted—the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team to Poland and the Baltic states and a long‑range rocket battalion’s move to Germany—along with the removal of a European command overseeing those capabilities. Officials say the move is meant to restore readiness and press Europe to shoulder more defense responsibilities, though Congress has raised concerns. As of 2025 roughly 38,000 U.S. troops were in Germany and about 80,000 in Europe overall.