GERMANY on Sunday voiced concern at reports that U.S. President Donald Trump plans to cut the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany, amid fears it could weaken a key pillar of NATO defence in the region.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said both countries stood to gain from close cooperation even if the transatlantic relationship had become “complicated” under Trump.

Other senior politicians in Berlin were more blunt, slamming the plan as the latest blow to U.S.-German ties and a potential security risk.

“Should it come to the withdrawal of part of the U.S. troops, we take note of this,” Maas told the Bild am Sonntag daily.

“We appreciate the cooperation with the U.S. armed forces that has grown over decades. It is in the interest of both of our countries.”

Peter Beyer, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coordinator for transatlantic relations, warned that “the German-U.S. relationship could be severely affected” by Trump’s decision.

The Wall Street Journal and other media reported Friday that Trump had ordered the Pentagon to slash the number of U.S. military personnel by 9,500 from the current 34,500 permanently assigned in Germany.

Such a move would significantly reduce the U.S. commitment to European defense under the NATO umbrella, and appeared to catch Berlin off guard.

But Maas admitted ties with the Trump administration had become strained. “We are close partners in the transatlantic alliance. But it’s complicated,” Maas told Bild, in a nod to rows ranging from the Iranian nuclear deal to NATO contributions and Berlin’s support for a Russian gas pipeline.

There was no immediate confirmation from U.S. officials about the alleged plan.

(SD-Agencies)