1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

Congress must act immediately to prevent further withdrawals of U.S. troops from Germany and Europe. President Trump has already announced plans to pull 5,000 troops from Germany and stated he intends to "cut way down" beyond that number. This reckless decision weakens our national security and abandons our NATO allies at the worst possible moment. Last year, Congress passed a defense bill limiting troop reductions in Europe to no fewer than 76,000 total. That law exists for a reason. With nearly 40,000 troops currently in Germany serving as our largest European contingent and key logistics hub, any significant drawdown cripples our ability to respond to threats and emboldens Russia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called this a "disastrous trend" and warned that "the greatest threat to the transatlantic community are not its external enemies, but the ongoing disintegration of our alliance." Trump is making foreign policy decisions based on personal grievances, not strategic interests. Germany's defense minister has already acknowledged Europe must take more responsibility for its own security, but that transition takes years, not months. Pulling troops now creates a dangerous vacuum. Pass legislation immediately that strengthens restrictions on troop withdrawals from Europe and requires congressional approval for any reduction below current levels. Our security depends on it.