According to Rhineland‑Palatinate’s minister‑president, Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), the state is preparing to host U.S. intermediate‑range missiles. He told the “Rheinische Post” that many preparations are underway at sites in the state, but that the final decision is made at the federal level.
Schweitzer stressed that the missiles would serve as an important deterrent against hostile aggression toward NATO members. He noted that while there is criticism in Rhineland‑Palatinate of Donald Trump’s policies, the state maintains a clear distinction between U.S. policy and its American friends stationed on German soil.
When asked whether he expects a withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region, Schweitzer replied that the number of American soldiers has always fluctuated. “I was just in Washington and spoke with representatives from the Defense and Foreign Ministries” he said. “They emphasized how much the U.S. values the deployment conditions for its soldiers here. They are also building the largest U.S. military hospital outside the United States in our state, a multi‑billion‑dollar investment”.