President Donald Trump has ordered the removal of 5,000 US troops from Germany following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s comments accusing Iran of ‘humiliating’ the White House. Merz’s criticism of the US strategy in negotiations with Iran sparked a backlash from Trump, who called Merz ‘ineffective’ and criticized Germany’s policies.
The Pentagon confirmed the troop withdrawal, stating that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had made the decision based on a review of the military’s posture in Europe. The process of withdrawing troops from Germany is expected to take place over the next six to twelve months.
Trump hinted at the possibility of pulling American troops from Italy and Spain as well, citing their lack of support in international conflicts. The move to reduce troops in Germany would bring US military levels in Europe back to pre-2022 numbers, prior to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Analysts have expressed concerns about the impact of the troop reduction on NATO forces in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in deterring potential Russian aggression. Bradley Bowman emphasized the importance of the US military presence in Europe for regional stability and projecting power in other areas like the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa.
Trump avoided questions about the troop withdrawal as he boarded Air Force One in Florida.
