The United States has announced plans to reduce its military presence in Germany by withdrawing 5,000 troops, a move that comes amid escalating tensions between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The decision follows sharp criticism from Trump, who recently lashed out at Merz after the German leader suggested that the US had been “humiliated” in negotiations with Iran. The remarks have deepened a growing rift between the two leaders.
Currently, the US maintains a significant military footprint in Germany, with more than 36,000 active-duty troops stationed across the country. Germany hosts the largest number of US troops in Europe, including key installations such as the Ramstein Air Base near Kaiserslautern.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that the presence of American forces in Europe remains in the mutual interest of both nations. However, he acknowledged that the withdrawal was not unexpected, noting that a reduction of US troops in Europe had long been foreseeable.
The Pentagon confirmed that the order to withdraw troops was issued by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the move follows a comprehensive review of US military posture in Europe and reflects evolving strategic requirements. The withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.
Trump, a longtime critic of the NATO alliance, has also hinted at further troop reductions in countries such as Italy and Spain. He criticized both nations for their reluctance to support US-led efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with Iran.
In recent statements, Trump described Merz as “doing a terrible job” and accused him of supporting Iran’s potential nuclear ambitions—claims that further inflamed diplomatic tensions. Merz, in turn, questioned Washington’s strategic approach, stating that the US lacks a clear plan regarding Iran.
The US currently deploys around 12,000 troops in Italy and approximately 10,000 in the United Kingdom, making Germany its most significant military hub in Europe. Only Japan hosts a larger US troop presence globally.
This is not the first time Trump has proposed reducing troop levels in Germany. A similar plan in 2020 to withdraw 12,000 troops was blocked by Congress and later reversed under President Joe Biden.
The latest move has sparked concern among US allies, particularly in Eastern Europe, where countries remain wary of Russian aggression. Critics, including some members of Trump’s own party, argue that reducing troop presence could weaken regional security at a critical time.
Meanwhile, Germany has significantly increased its defense spending under Merz’s leadership, with projections indicating that it will exceed NATO’s 2% GDP target, reaching an estimated 3.1% by next year.
As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, the planned troop withdrawal signals a potential shift in US military priorities, with greater focus on other regions, including the Indo-Pacific.