Daily Telegraph: Trump considers sending U.S. troops to Hungary

Recent reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a significant shift in American military strategy in Europe. According to the Daily Telegraph, Trump plans to withdraw 35,000 troops from Germany and potentially relocate some of them to Hungary. This move aligns with Trump’s past actions and rhetoric regarding transatlantic relations and NATO’s European members.

Background on U.S. troops in Europe

Currently, there are approximately 160,000 U.S. troops stationed in Europe, with the majority based in Germany, the Daily Telegraph writes. Trump has previously attempted to reduce the U.S. military presence in Germany. In 2020, shortly after his election loss, he initiated plans to withdraw 12,000 troops from Germany, but this plan did not come to fruition due to bipartisan opposition.

Potential relocation to Hungary

The Daily Telegraph suggests that Trump is contemplating relocating some of the troops withdrawn from Germany to Hungary. This decision could be influenced by Hungary’s close relations with Russia and its stance on the Ukraine conflict. Hungary has been cautious in its support for Ukraine, and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently blocked a unified EU statement in support of Ukraine.

As for the potential relocation of U.S. troops to Hungary, the country’s position on Ukraine and its relations with Russia could be factors in this decision, as noted by Russian news agency TASS. The move would also reflect Trump’s broader strategy of reevaluating U.S. military commitments in Europe and focusing on other global regions.

What does this mean for Transatlantic relations?

This potential shift in military strategy comes as the U.S. is reassessing its priorities globally. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance recently emphasised that the U.S. will focus less on Europe and more on other parts of the world, citing concerns about democracy and free speech in Europe. The withdrawal of troops from Germany and potential relocation to Hungary would underscore these changing priorities and could have significant implications for transatlantic relations and NATO’s role in Europe.

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