The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany. According to the Department of Defense, this is expected to happen within the next 6–12 months.
President Donald Trump hinted this week at a possible withdrawal of American troops and publicly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his stance on Iran after Merz stated that Iran "humiliates" Washington in negotiations.
A source in the Pentagon, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, noted that Germany's rhetoric was inappropriate, and the president is responding to it.
Currently, the U.S. has about 39,000 troops stationed in Germany—more than in any other country in Europe.
Trump Upset with Merz: "No Wonder Germany Is Doing So Poorly"
On Wednesday, April 29, Trump announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany. "The United States is studying and considering the possibility of reducing its troop levels in Germany; a decision on this matter will be made soon," he wrote on his social media.
The day before, Trump sharply criticized Merz for his position on Iran. The German Chancellor said that Tehran "humiliates" the U.S., which has "no strategy" in the Iranian war.
"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes it is normal for Iran to have nuclear weapons. He does not understand what he is talking about! If Iran had nuclear weapons, the whole world would be held hostage. I am currently doing with respect to Iran what other countries or presidents should have done a long time ago. No wonder Germany is doing so poorly—in the economy and everything else!" the U.S. president wrote on Truth.
How Many Foreign Troops Are in Europe?
According to the U.S. Army as of mid-April, there are about 86,000 American servicemen stationed in Europe, of which approximately 39,000 are in Germany. Due to troop rotations, exercises, and other factors, this number is constantly changing.
For decades, dozens of major American military bases have operated in Europe, which are of immense importance for U.S. operations worldwide, including in the Middle East. Troops, weapons, ships, and aircraft are stationed here, drones are managed from these bases, and wounded servicemen are treated.
In Germany, the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) is located in Stuttgart, and Ramstein Air Base is in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, which also houses the U.S. Air Force center. Additionally, important U.S. bases are located in Italy and the United Kingdom.
