NPR News: 05-03-2026 9PM EDT

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Jeanine Herbst· Host0:15

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. President Trump says the U.S. will help ships from some countries get through the Strait of Hormuz starting tomorrow, though he didn't say which countries. The U.S. military says it will use fifteen thousand troops, more than one hundred air and sea-based aircraft, and guided missile destroyers to help them. The top Republicans on Congress's committees overseeing the military are condemning President Trump's decision to withdraw around five thousand troops from Germany. Senator Roger Wicker and Congressman Mike Rogers say the move should be subject to congressional review and coordination with allies. NPR's Eric McDaniel has more.

Eric McDaniel0:55

German Chancellor Frederick Merz said last week that Iran was humiliating the U.S. and that the U.S.-Israeli war on the country was ill-considered. Trump then said Merz doesn't know what he's talking about and announced the troop reduction. The top armed services Republicans said Germany has complied with America's request to increase its defense spending and has offered logistical support for the war. In a statement, they wrote that reducing America's presence in Europe risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin. Quote, "We expect the department to engage with its oversight committees in the days and weeks ahead on this decision and its implications." Eric McDaniel, NPR News, Washington.