NPR News: 05-01-2026 9PM EDT

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. Defense Secretary Pete Hagseth has ordered the U. S. to withdraw five thousand American troops from Germany. As NPR's Greg Meyery reports, this comes as the U. S. and German leaders disagree publicly over the war with Iran. The Pentagon says the move follows a thorough review of US forces in Europe. Around thirty five thousand American troops are currently based in Germany, the largest U. S. military presence in Europe and one of the biggest in any country outside the U. S. The drawdown is slated to take place over the next six to twelve months. The Pentagon gave no information on where the troops might be sent. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this week that quote, the Americans clearly have no strategy for ending the war in Iran. President Trump fired back, saying the German leader should worry more about his country and stop interfering. Greg Myrie, M PR News, Washington. Former Florida Republican Congressman David Rivera has been found guilty in connection to a secret fifty million dollar lobbying campaign on behalf of the Venezuelan government. From Member Station WLRN Helen Acevedo reports. Failing to register as a foreign agent with the U. S. Justice Department and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stemmed from his undisclosed work for former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro's government. Rivera