US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany amid rising tensions with Europe

The US, under Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year, cutting its forces by 14%. The move follows a strategic review and rising tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Germany and NATO say cooperation will continue, but Europe should take more responsibility for defence.

Pete Hegseth has directed the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 United States troops currently stationed in Germany, according to an announcement made by the Pentagon on Friday. The planned reduction represents about 14% of the total American military presence in Germany and is expected to be carried out gradually over a period of six to twelve months. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell explained in an official statement that the decision followed a comprehensive review of US military force posture across Europe, taking into account operational requirements, strategic priorities, and the realities of the current security environment on the ground.
The timing of the announcement is significant, as it came just one day after US President Donald Trump publicly threatened to reduce the number of American troops deployed in Germany. Trump also criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over remarks the German leader had made regarding tensions involving Iran, in which Merz suggested that the United States appeared to be “humiliated” and lacking a clear strategy. Responding sharply, Trump dismissed Merz’s comments, stating that the German leader “doesn’t know what he’s talking about” and labeling him “totally ineffective.”
In addition to the troop reduction announcement, Trump revealed plans on Friday to increase tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, raising them to 25%. This policy move is expected to disproportionately affect Germany, given its strong automotive export sector and deep economic ties to the US market.
A senior official from the Pentagon, speaking anonymously to Reuters, described recent statements from German officials as “inappropriate and unhelpful,” suggesting that such rhetoric contributed to the administration’s decision-making. The official added that the president’s reaction was justified in light of what they characterized as counterproductive remarks from Berlin.
German military officials, however, expressed surprise at the sudden announcement. According to reports, the decision came shortly after what they described as productive and constructive meetings held earlier the same day at the Pentagon. These officials emphasized Germany’s continued support for US operations, pointing out that Berlin had granted overflight rights for missions related to Iran and allowed the use of American military bases located on German soil—cooperation that was not universally provided by all European allies.
They also highlighted Germany’s role in supporting US personnel during recent conflicts, noting that some American soldiers injured in the fighting were treated at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, located near the Ramstein Air Base in southwestern Germany.
On Saturday, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius responded to the development by stating that Washington’s decision had been “foreseeable,” though he stressed that the continued presence of US troops in Germany remains beneficial to both nations. Pistorius underscored the importance of US-German military cooperation for maintaining peace and stability in Europe, supporting Ukraine, and ensuring effective deterrence against potential threats.
At the same time, he reiterated the need for Europe to take on greater responsibility for its own defense within the framework of NATO. Pistorius pointed to ongoing efforts by Germany to strengthen its military capabilities, including expanding the Bundeswehr, accelerating the procurement of modern equipment, investing in innovation, and building up defense infrastructure.
NATO also weighed in on the issue, indicating that it is working closely with Washington to better understand the rationale behind the troop reduction. NATO spokesperson Alison Hart stated that the move highlights the importance of increased European investment in defense and a more balanced sharing of security responsibilities among alliance members. She noted that progress is already being made following commitments by NATO allies to allocate up to 5% of their GDP toward defense spending.
Hart expressed confidence that NATO remains capable of maintaining strong deterrence and defense capabilities, even as the alliance evolves toward a model that emphasizes a stronger European role within a unified transatlantic partnership.
The United States currently maintains its largest military presence in Europe within Germany, a legacy that dates back to the aftermath of World War II and continued through the period of the Cold War. At present, around 36,000 US Army personnel are stationed in Germany, along with approximately 13,000 members of the US Air Force.
A significant portion of these forces are based at Ramstein Air Base, which is widely regarded as the largest US Air Force installation outside the United States. In addition to Ramstein, the US operates several other key military facilities in Germany, including the headquarters for US European Command and US Africa Command.
Germany hosts five of the seven permanent US military garrisons in Europe, making it the central hub for American military operations on the continent. After Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy have the next largest concentrations of US forces in Europe, further underscoring the strategic importance of these allied nations in maintaining regional security and supporting NATO operations.