Photo: Sean Gallup / Getty Images News / Getty Images
The United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year, following growing tensions between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the handling of the ongoing war with Iran. The decision, announced by the Pentagon on Friday, comes after Chancellor Merz criticized the US for its approach to the conflict, saying the US had been “humiliated” by Iranian negotiators. President Trump responded by sharply criticizing Merz and threatening further troop reductions in Europe.
According to a statement from Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the order was given by War Secretary Pete Hegseth after a thorough review of the US military posture in Europe and in response to “theater requirements and conditions on the ground.” The withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months, but more than 30,000 US troops will remain stationed in Germany during and after the process.
The move follows a public disagreement between President Trump and Chancellor Merz. Earlier this week, Merz stated that the US appeared to lack a strategy in Iran and described the situation as humiliating for the US. President Trump took to social media to criticize Merz’s handling of issues like immigration and energy, and accused the chancellor of being too lenient on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump also suggested he might withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain, stating, “Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible,” in reference to their refusal to participate in the war with Iran.
The German government has sought to downplay the severity of the move, calling it “anticipated” and a reminder of Europe’s need to invest more in its own defense. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said, “The presence of American soldiers in Europe, and particularly in Germany, is in our interest and in the interest of the US,” but acknowledged that the withdrawal was foreseeable. He added that Germany is expanding its armed forces and investing in new equipment and infrastructure in response to changing security needs.
NATO is working to “understand the details” of the US decision. Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart noted that the adjustment “underscores the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defense and take on a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security." Some US lawmakers, including senior Republicans, have expressed concern that withdrawing US forces could undermine deterrence in Europe and send the wrong signal to Russia.
The Pentagon’s decision comes at a time of broader debate within NATO about defense spending and military readiness. Germany’s defense budget is set to rise to 3.1% of GDP next year, a significant increase compared to previous years. Meanwhile, the US is shifting some of its military focus to the Indo-Pacific region and reviewing its commitments across Europe.
The withdrawal plan could face opposition in Congress, which previously set a benchmark for US troop strength in Europe and demanded rigorous evaluation before major changes.