By Blessing Nweke
The US Department of Defense has announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, marking a significant shift in American military posture in Europe amid rising tensions between Donald Trump and Friedrich Merz.
The decision follows a public exchange of criticism between the two leaders over the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Merz had suggested the United States appeared “humiliated” in its negotiations with Iran, prompting a sharp response from Trump, who accused the German leader of poor leadership and policy failures.
In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the order was issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after a review of US force posture in Europe. He added that the withdrawal would take place over six to twelve months and reflect “conditions on the ground” and strategic requirements.
The US currently maintains more than 36,000 active-duty troops in Germany, its largest military presence in Europe. Key installations include Ramstein Air Base, a major hub for American operations.
Trump has long criticized the NATO alliance and has renewed pressure on European allies for what he sees as insufficient support in efforts tied to the Strait of Hormuz. He also signaled potential troop reductions in Italy and Spain, citing dissatisfaction with their responses to the Iran situation.
Despite past tensions over defense spending, Germany has significantly increased its military budget under Merz, with projections exceeding NATO targets in coming years.
The move has raised concerns among some US lawmakers and European allies, who fear it could weaken deterrence in the region, particularly amid ongoing security concerns involving Russia.
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