According to Rhineland‑Palatinate’s Minister President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), preparations are underway for the placement of U.S. intermediate‑range missiles in Germany. He told the “Rheinische Post” that extensive groundwork is being done at sites in Rhineland‑Palatinate, but that the final decisions will come from the federal government.
Schweitzer added that the missiles would serve as an important deterrent against hostile aggression toward NATO members. He noted that while there is criticism in his state of President Donald Trump’s policies, he distinguishes between U.S. politics and the support of American allies on German soil.
When asked whether he expects U.S. troops to withdraw from Rhineland‑Palatinate, Schweitzer said the number of stationed soldiers has always fluctuated. He mentioned a recent visit to Washington, where he met with defense and foreign‑policy officials who expressed appreciation for the U.S. conditions of stationing their troops in Germany. He also highlighted that the United States is building its largest overseas military hospital in the country, a multi‑billion‑dollar investment.
