Pentagon Plans to Withdraw 5,000 US Forces from Germany
Senior defense officials revealed on Friday plans for the Pentagon to withdraw approximately 5,000 American forces stationed in Germany. This move signals President Trump’s dissatisfaction with European allies’ level of support during the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Trump has publicly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other NATO leaders for not directly participating in the US military campaign against Iran. The US maintains a significant presence in Germany since World War II, with over 36,000 active duty troops, nearly 1,500 reservists, and 11,500 civilians stationed across various bases.
The Pentagon plans to focus on priorities within the U.S. homeland and Indo-Pacific region by potentially redeploying some of these forces back to the US before being sent abroad. The withdrawal will not impact transport operations for injured troops at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
Earlier this week, Trump hinted at troop reductions in Germany amid escalating tensions with Merz over Iran strategy. Merz accused Trump of lacking a clear plan against Iran and facing humiliation from Iranian negotiators. In response, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Merz “doesn’t know what he’s talking about” and is interfering.
The situation highlights disagreements between the US and NATO allies regarding Iran negotiations and energy prices due to disrupted fuel shipments. The president has threatened to withdraw from NATO without congressional approval under a 2023 law preventing unilateral withdrawal.
Trump has long criticized NATO for not contributing enough militarily or supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, which has lasted over four years. His proposal to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany was canceled by former President Joe Biden.