Trump Shifts US Troops from Germany to Poland

Donald Trump has altered the United States military posture in Europe by prioritizing Eastern NATO members over Western allies. In May 2026, the Pentagon announced the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany following a dispute between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the Iran war.

To offset these reductions, Trump announced the deployment of 5,000 additional troops to Poland, citing his relationship with Polish President Karol Nawrocki. This shift follows an earlier decision in October 2025 to remove a 101st Airborne brigade from Romania.

While U.S. Army Europe and Africa described the movements as a transition toward increased European responsibility, the strategy faced internal criticism. Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers characterized the Romania withdrawal as uncoordinated and inconsistent with broader presidential strategy.