German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent complaints about NATO allies, after Trump expressed frustration that several members had declined to back American military action against Iran. Trump specifically cited the large number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany and implied that Berlin had refused a modest request. Pistorius responded by saying NATO operates through free deliberation and collective agreement, not by following any single country’s orders. He also noted he was unaware of any formal U.S. request for military help from Germany. The exchange highlights growing tension between Washington and Berlin, with the Pentagon having announced plans to withdraw roughly 5,000 troops from Germany.