Wed Feb 26 14:00:00 UTC 2025: ## US Threatens to Withdraw Troops from Germany Over Free Speech Concerns
**Washington D.C./Berlin** – Vice President JD Vance has issued a stark warning to Germany, suggesting the Trump administration may reconsider its substantial military presence in the country unless Berlin alters its approach to online speech restrictions. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Vance directly linked continued US defense support to Germany’s domestic policies, arguing that American taxpayers will not tolerate funding a nation that cracks down on political expression.
“Do you think the American taxpayer is going to stand for that if you get thrown in jail in Germany for posting a mean tweet?” Vance questioned, prompting applause from the CPAC audience. He characterized the situation as a direct threat to American interests and a breach of trust in the transatlantic relationship.
Vance’s comments represent a significant escalation of rhetoric from the Trump administration, following similar criticisms leveled at European leaders for their migration policies and alleged censorship at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month. He accused the previous Biden administration of exacerbating the problem, claiming it had “destroyed free speech” in both the US and Europe.
Germany currently hosts approximately 35,000 US troops, a legacy of post-World War II commitments. While the Trump administration has previously criticized European nations for insufficient defense spending, Vance’s remarks directly tie US military presence to Germany’s internal policies, rather than solely focusing on financial contributions.
A spokesperson for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s office declined to directly respond to Vance’s comments but reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to democratic principles and European security. They expressed hope that “the real facts will be heard” in the US.
The statement comes amidst political uncertainty in Germany, with concerns that far-right and far-left parties could block defense spending in the newly formed parliament. This situation adds urgency to the transatlantic debate, as Germany’s coalition government seeks to navigate both domestic and international pressures. The future of the substantial US military presence in Germany now hangs in the balance, contingent on Berlin’s response to these escalating concerns about freedom of speech.
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