Appeal to Trump: Withdrawal of US Military Forces from Germany Sends Wrong Signal to Both Russians and Allies

(Patria) – A group of Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have appealed to President Trump to reconsider his decision to reduce military forces in Germany, citing their presence as a pillar of the NATO alliance against Russian pressure, Reuters reports.

Six lawmakers, led by Michael McCaul of the Foreign Affairs Committee, are signatories to a letter stating that the US presence in Germany has served Washington's strategic interests not only in Europe but also in the Middle East and Africa – where the growing influence of Russia and China is also noticeable.

Their warning came after Trump announced earlier this month a reduction of US forces in Germany to 25,000, primarily because Germany, a close US ally, has not provided adequate financial support for the NATO alliance, and because it has allegedly taken advantage of the US in terms of trade.

According to Trump's plan, about 9,500 US soldiers are expected to leave bases in Germany, which has prompted reactions from both Democrats and Republicans.

- This is not the time for any move that would lead Putin's regime to question the credibility of NATO forces or lead our NATO allies and partners to doubt the US commitment to our collective security, the letter from Republican lawmakers states.

They also warned that Moscow and Beijing are seeking to sow divisions between the US and its allies, and expressed concern that many US partners were not consulted regarding the plan to reduce US military forces in Germany.

Trump had previously accused Germany of being 'problematic' regarding financial support for the NATO alliance and announced that he would stick to the plan (of withdrawing troops) until Berlin changes its stance.

In 2014, NATO set a financial goal requiring each of its 30 members to contribute 2% of their GDP to the organization's budget. Most members, including Germany, are failing to meet this goal.