On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he may reduce U.S. military presence in Spain and Italy, one day after he announced that his administration is assessing a possible cut of troops in Germany.
“Yeah, probably will,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about the possible reduction. “Why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help. Spain has been horrible. Absolutely,” said Trump, again slamming European allies for not helping in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Trump again criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, claiming Merz “is doing a terrible job.” Earlier this week, Merz said the United States is “being humiliated” by Iran.
On Wednesday, Trump said the U.S. is considering the possible reduction of troops in Germany, and the decision will be made with a determination “over the next short period of time.”
Also on Wednesday, Merz sought to downplay his row with Trump, saying that his personal relationship with the U.S. president remains good, calling for a swift resolution to the conflicts in Iran as Germany and Europe are suffering considerably from the consequences of the conflicts.
Ceasefire with Iran Pauses 60-Day Clock on Congressional Authorization
On Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he believes the ceasefire with Iran “pauses” a 60-day clock on congressional authorization for war. Hegseth made the remarks when asked by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine at a congressional hearing about whether the Trump administration would seek authorization from Congress for the war with Iran on the 60-day mark of the war as required by law.
“Ultimately, I would defer to the White House and White House counsel on that. However, we are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire,” Hegseth said.
“I do not believe the statute would support that,” Kaine said. “I think the 60 days runs (out) maybe tomorrow, and that’s going to pose a really important legal question for the administration there.”
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians.
U.S. President Donald Trump notified Congress of the military campaign against Iran on March 2, making May 1 the 60-day milestone at which point the U.S. War Powers Act requires the president to start winding down a war unless he receives congressional authorization.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: Xinhua
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