Two top Republican lawmakers, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss, and Rep. Mike Rogers, respectively the heads of the House and Senate Armed Services committees, have expressed concern over President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany. The decision was made after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being "being humiliated by the Iranian leadership" and sparked a backlash from Washington. The lawmakers warned that it was in America's interest to maintain a strong deterrent in Europe, warning that it could send the wrong signal to Russia. European leaders have expressed a renewed interest in increasing defensive capabilities due to differences with the Trump administration regarding Ukraine, Iran, Greenland, and NATO. The White House has also warned of further cuts to troops in Europe after the Pentagon announced the withdrawal.