Trump’s troop drawdown jolts Europe as NATO chief says leaders got the ‘message’

Published May 4, 2026 7:24pm ET



European leaders have found fresh enthusiasm for upholding Europe’s role in NATO after the United States announced it would be reducing its troops on the continent.

President Donald Trump made good on his threat to reduce U.S. troops in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested Iran was “humiliating” the global superpower, removing 5,000 military personnel from the country’s bases and promising further slashes.

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