Trump Ally Mentions Possible Withdrawal of US Troops Stationed Overseas Including in Han

▲Richard Grenell, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A close aide of U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of withdrawing U.S. troops stationed overseas, including in Korea.

On the 11th (local time), Germany's daily Bild reported in an interview with Richard Grenell, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, that President Trump has a long-term plan to reduce U.S. troops stationed overseas and has ordered a reduction of U.S. forces in Germany.

The countries targeted for reduction included Korea, Japan, Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.

The U.S. government officially states that the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Korea is not under consideration, but concerns about the withdrawal or reduction of U.S. forces in Korea have been continuously raised since President Trump's inauguration. Currently, a total of 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in Korea.

Grenell, who is known to be joining President Trump's re-election campaign, stated, "American taxpayers are feeling fatigued about spending a lot of money on foreign security." He added, "It is not surprising that President Trump has decided to bring overseas troops back to the United States."

Grenell also agreed with the interpretation that the background of President Trump's order to reduce U.S. troops in Germany may have been influenced by a conflict with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Previously, Chancellor Merkel refused to attend the G7 summit hosted by the U.S.

Grenell said, "It is true that the U.S. was disappointed by Germany's decision because the G7 cannot be held without Germany."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.