Trump Considers Reducing US Troops in Germany; South Korea's Ministry of National Defense: No Such Issue for USFK
Amid reports of former President Trump considering reducing US troops in Germany, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense stated that there are no discussions about reducing USFK, emphasizing the maintenance of a robust combined defense posture. The USFK commander also highlighted the importance of operational capability.
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- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 14:09
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(Central News Agency, Seoul, 30th, Reporter Yang Chi-feng) Regarding the US considering reducing the number of US troops stationed in Germany, which has raised concerns about whether USFK will also be reduced, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense today stated that there have been absolutely no discussions between South Korea and the US about reducing USFK, and that a robust combined defense posture will be jointly maintained.
Trump posted on his social media platform "Truth Social" that "the United States is studying and reviewing the possibility of reducing troops stationed in Germany, and a decision is expected in the near future."
According to Yonhap News Agency today, although it has always been believed that the Trump administration, dissatisfied with Europe's "security free ride," might reduce US troops in Europe, this is actually the first time the president himself has directly named it. The report mentioned that if the reduction of US troops in Germany is seen as retaliation for Germany's lack of active assistance in the Iran War, it may also raise concerns about USFK.
Previously, Trump had publicly expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that while US troops contribute to the defense of North Korea, South Korea did not assist the US in the Iran War. However, some also believe that the situation of US troops in Europe and USFK is different. The "National Defense Authorization Act" (NDAA), which came into effect last December, has included a provision that prohibits reducing USFK to below 28,500 personnel.
A relevant official from South Korea's Ministry of National Defense stated that the primary mission of USFK is to jointly maintain a robust combined defense posture with the South Korean military to deter and respond to North Korean aggression and provocations. "In the future, through close consultation between South Korea and the US, we will continue to ensure the stable stationing of USFK and strengthen the combined defense posture."
USFK Commander Xavier T. Brunson also recently stated that the Korean Peninsula is a critical strategic location for defending the US homeland and promoting regional interests, emphasizing, "USFK is modernizing to respond to rapidly changing strategic challenges, which is why I prioritize operational capability over troop numbers." (Edited by: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150430
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Trump posted on his social media platform "Truth Social" that "the United States is studying and reviewing the possibility of reducing troops stationed in Germany, and a decision is expected in the near future."
According to Yonhap News Agency today, although it has always been believed that the Trump administration, dissatisfied with Europe's "security free ride," might reduce US troops in Europe, this is actually the first time the president himself has directly named it. The report mentioned that if the reduction of US troops in Germany is seen as retaliation for Germany's lack of active assistance in the Iran War, it may also raise concerns about USFK.
Previously, Trump had publicly expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that while US troops contribute to the defense of North Korea, South Korea did not assist the US in the Iran War. However, some also believe that the situation of US troops in Europe and USFK is different. The "National Defense Authorization Act" (NDAA), which came into effect last December, has included a provision that prohibits reducing USFK to below 28,500 personnel.
A relevant official from South Korea's Ministry of National Defense stated that the primary mission of USFK is to jointly maintain a robust combined defense posture with the South Korean military to deter and respond to North Korean aggression and provocations. "In the future, through close consultation between South Korea and the US, we will continue to ensure the stable stationing of USFK and strengthen the combined defense posture."
USFK Commander Xavier T. Brunson also recently stated that the Korean Peninsula is a critical strategic location for defending the US homeland and promoting regional interests, emphasizing, "USFK is modernizing to respond to rapidly changing strategic challenges, which is why I prioritize operational capability over troop numbers." (Edited by: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150430
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.