Washington—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement on reporting about President Trump’s reckless decision to drawdown U.S. forces from Germany

“Vladimir Putin must be delighted that the American president is gutting our own deterrent against Russian aggression in Europe. And the President’s insulting dismissal of one of our most important relationships because of a personal vendetta confirms that he lacks moral leadership, respect for our allies, and understanding of our national security interests. But it’s legitimately shocking that Secretary Esper, General Milley, and others are staying silent as the President pushes through this reckless decision without input from senior officials or experts. In response, I will be working with my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to see what can be done to reverse the decision.”