US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany amid Trump–Merz tensions

The United States plans to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany, as relations between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz deteriorate over the war with Iran.

The Pentagon said the move follows a review of its military posture in Europe, adding that the withdrawal is expected to take place over the next six to 12 months.

The decision comes shortly after Mr Trump criticised Mr Merz, who had suggested the US was “humiliated” during negotiations with Iran.

The US currently maintains a significant military presence in Germany, with more than 36,000 troops stationed across several bases, including Ramstein Air Base.

Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, said the continued presence of US forces in Europe remained in the interests of both countries, but noted that a reduction had been anticipated.

“This was foreseeable,” he said, referring to the planned drawdown of American forces.

Mr Trump, who has long criticised the NATO alliance and urged allies to increase defence spending, has also suggested he could scale back troop deployments in other European countries, including Italy and Spain.

In recent comments, he criticised both nations for declining to support US-led efforts linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The dispute between Washington and Berlin intensified after Mr Merz accused the US of lacking a clear strategy on Iran, describing the situation as damaging to American credibility.

Mr Trump responded by dismissing the German leader’s remarks, accusing him of poor leadership and misjudgement.

The United States has its largest European troop presence in Germany, with smaller contingents in Italy and the United Kingdom. Only Japan hosts more US forces globally.

Previous attempts by Mr Trump to reduce troop levels in Germany during his earlier presidency were blocked by Congress and later reversed under President Joe Biden.

The latest move is likely to raise fresh concerns among European allies about the future of US military commitments in the region.

Source: BBC News