Trump’s call to reduce US troops in Germany shocks Pentagon - Politico

The president’s unexpected call to reduce U.S. forces in Germany and the Pentagon’s subsequent withdrawal order surprised officials and strained strategic and local planning. The later reversal — welcomed by Poland and the Netherlands and publicly linked by the president to his admiration for Poland's leader — was described by Polish aides as stemming from a Pentagon misunderstanding; the chaotic messaging dismayed NATO partners and, critics say, benefited Russia.