President Donald Trump announced plans to cut U.S. troops in Germany beyond the planned 5,000‑troop drawdown, without specifying final numbers.
Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker and House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers jointly rebuked the move, urging a strong European deterrent and eastward force shift.
The administration also raised EU car and truck tariffs to 25%, targeting German automakers and adding pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Pentagon expects the initial 5,000‑troop pullout within 6‑12 months, but faces legislative hurdles similar to the blocked 2020 reduction.