Pentagon leaders announced Friday that roughly 5,000 US troops will be withdrawn from Germany, a move that comes as tensions rise between Berlin and President Trump over the war involving Iran.
In a statement, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the decision was directed by the Secretary of War following a comprehensive review of US military positioning across Europe. He explained that the shift reflects current operational needs and conditions in the region.
A senior Pentagon official, speaking to Reuters, criticized recent comments from German leaders about the conflict, calling them unhelpful and saying the president’s response was justified. The troop drawdown is expected to take place over a period of six to twelve months.
The United States currently has about 35,000 active-duty service members stationed in Germany, including personnel at Ramstein Air Base, the largest American military installation in Europe.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently argued that the United States had been embarrassed by Iran’s leadership, claiming Tehran appears stronger than anticipated and that Washington lacks a clear strategy in negotiations. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also condemned the conflict, calling it a serious mistake and accusing the United States of violating international law.
President Trump responded sharply to Merz’s remarks on Truth Social, saying the German leader should focus more on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict and addressing issues within his own country, including immigration and energy. He added that efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions are making the world safer, including for Germany.
This is not the first time such a move has been considered. In 2020, Trump proposed withdrawing about 12,000 troops from Germany, but Congress blocked funding for the plan, and it was ultimately abandoned when Joe Biden became president.
Earlier this week, the president indicated that a reduction in troop levels was under review, saying a decision would be made soon. He also suggested that US forces could be repositioned from other European countries, including Italy and Spain, criticizing both nations for what he described as a lack of support when the United States needed it.