NATO chief says US troop withdrawals from Europe won't hurt defenses
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
NATO chief Mark Rutte said Wednesday that the U.S. decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Europe would not harm defenses, with Washington also expected to cut the forces it puts at the alliance's disposal.
"When it comes to this announcement, the 4,000 to 5,000, it is rotational forces not having an impact on NATO's defense plans," Rutte told journalists.
Washington announced this month it was pulling 5,000 troops out of Germany after a spat between President Donald Trump and Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war in Iran.
