In the ARD show 'Caren Miosga', German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius condemned US President Donald Trump's claims about NATO troops in Afghanistan as 'indecent and disrespectful'. He calls for an apology but does not expect one. He also stressed that Europe can no longer fully rely on the US.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius spoke critically on Sunday in the ARD show 'Caren Miosga' about recent statements by US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed on Fox News that the US never needed NATO and that troops from other NATO states stayed 'a bit behind the front lines' during the Afghanistan mission. Pistorius rejected this as 'simply not true': 'All stood there, stood at the side of the US.' He called Trump's words 'indecent and disrespectful', especially towards the fallen – 59 German soldiers died in Afghanistan.
Pistorius suggested an apology: 'That would be a sign of decency, respect, and also insight.' He indicated, however, that this is unlikely: 'We all know how the American president functions.' The SPD politician plans to address the issue with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the next opportunity.
Pistorius also warned that Europe must prepare for a time without the previous close dependence on the US. The Bundeswehr is on an 'excellent path' to being war-ready by 2029. The active force is to grow to 260,000 soldiers by 2035, supplemented by 200,000 reservists. Currently, 184,200 servicewomen and men serve actively; there was recently the best recruitment result since the suspension of conscription.
Regarding the Greenland conflict, Pistorius dismissed accusations of escalation. The NATO reconnaissance mission in Denmark serves Arctic security and was coordinated with all partners. Trump had threatened tariffs against Denmark and Germany but retracted them after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday in Davos. Pistorius: 'It was coordinated among NATO partners.' Germany contributes through partnerships and operations like with P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
