Germany’s Pistorius plays down US troop cut, stresses Europe’s defense push – POLITICO

Germany’s defense minister sought to downplay the impact of Washington’s decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from the country, casting the move as expected and using it to underline Europe’s need to take greater responsibility for its own security.

“It was anticipated that the U.S. might withdraw troops from Europe, including Germany,” Boris Pistorius said on Saturday, adding that “if we are to remain transatlantic, we must strengthen the European pillar within NATO.”

NATO said it was “working with the U.S. to understand the details” of the Pentagon's decision to pull the troops. The move by the Trump administration "underscores the need for Europe to invest more in defense,” NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said in a statement.