Trump Begins Reducing U.S. Troop Presence in Europe Following Disputes with Allies
May 15, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
Following President Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of European allies’ contributions, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has abruptly canceled two planned European deployments and ordered the withdrawal of certain personnel.
According to a Department of Defense statement, the deployment of the “12th Armored Brigade Combat Team,” which was scheduled for a rotational tour in Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states, has been halted. While some units of the brigade had already arrived in Europe, they are now ordered to return to the United States. Additionally, plans for a long-range missile battalion destined for Germany have been scrapped.
These shifts come in the wake of escalating tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who reportedly remarked that “America is being humiliated by Iran.” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell had previously announced on May 1st that approximately 5,000 troops would be withdrawn from Germany.
Department of Defense officials noted that European nations, particularly Germany, have “failed to step up when the U.S. needed them.” They added that the President is justified in responding to such “unhelpful comments” and emphasized that allies, including Germany, should bear the primary responsibility for Europe’s defense.
The planned reduction has sparked concern among some U.S. lawmakers. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen criticized the move, warning that it sends a “dangerous signal” to Russia, China, and Iran.
Despite the heavy losses Russia has sustained in the Ukraine war, senior U.S. military officials caution that Moscow remains a formidable threat to the U.S. and its European allies, particularly due to its nuclear arsenal. As of 2025, the total number of U.S. troops stationed across Europe stood at approximately 80,000.
