Trump's Order to Pull Troops From Germany Alarms European Allies

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

U.S. allies in Europe expressed dismay over President Trump’s plan to slash the number of American troops in Germany by more than a quarter, saying it undermined NATO and boosted adversaries such as Russia.

Mr. Trump’s order, reported by The Wall Street Journal on Friday, surprised allies, who hadn’t been officially informed, according to European diplomats. The proposed cut to 25,000 from 34,500 would reverse recent increases in U.S. troops in Europe designed to deter Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2014 and has bolstered armed forces on its western flank.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Germany would take note of the decision, if confirmed. “We value the cooperation with U.S. armed forces, which has grow over decades,” he told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. “They are in the interests of both our countries.”

Asked about German relations with the U.S., he replied: “It’s complicated.”

Allies of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the German Parliament assailed Mr. Trump more forcefully.

“The plans show once again that the Trump administration neglects an elementary leadership task: the involvement of allies in decision-making processes,” said Johann Wadephul, deputy leader of Ms. Merkel’s ruling conservative bloc in Parliament. “All benefit from the cohesion of the alliance, only Russia and China from discord.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trumps-order-to-pull-troops-from-germany-alarms-european-allies/ar-BB159XM2?li=BBnb7Kz

[Karadeniz]

1. He should not be able to do this unilaterally. I'd like to hear from military lawyers

Congress.

[Wellstone ruled]

2. So,that means

Putin is planning on invasion of Ukraine and neighboring Baltic Countries before the Winter sets in.

[napi21]

3. Is he including all the medical personnel & patients at Ramstein? That's where all severely injured

military personnel from Europe & the middle East are sent for treatment. DT has a habit of only knowing part of the story then jumping to conclusions & rash decisions.

[jimfields33]

5. He's sending them to Poland apparently

Of course, it’s probably gaslighting. It’s a daily thing.

[napi21]

7. I sure hope so! They're NOT going to move an entire medical facility because of his whim! n/t

[zak247]

4. Putin fetish

Trumps just following his Putin fetish on this one.

[DFW]

6. Cui Bono?

Hint: His first name is Vladimir, he is ex KGB and speaks fluent German.

Why the POTUS would ever do HIS bidding is another question entirely.