President Trump Signals Larger US Troop Withdrawal From Germany As Tensions Rise

US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States intends to withdraw far more troops from Germany than the roughly 5,000 reduction earlier outlined by the Pentagon.

Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Florida, Trump said the planned cut would go well beyond initial figures.

Earlier in the week, a senior defence official had confirmed that the Pentagon was preparing to withdraw about 5,000 US troops from Germany.

The remarks come amid rising tensions between Washington and Berlin over foreign policy differences.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had recently criticised the United States over its handling of the conflict with Iran, describing Washington’s approach as lacking clear direction and suggesting it had weakened its global standing.

In response, Trump dismissed Merz’s comments and expressed indifference to concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump also signalled the possibility of reducing US military presence in other European countries, including Spain and Italy, criticising them for insufficient support during the US-Israel conflict involving Iran.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Germany can handle a potential reduction of US troops stationed in the country.

According to US Department of Defence data, more than 36,000 active-duty American troops are currently deployed across Germany, along with approximately 1,500 reservists and 11,500 civilian personnel.

Germany also hosts key US military infrastructure, including the headquarters of US European Command and US Africa Command, as well as the strategic Ramstein Air Base, a major hub for American military operations.

Also Read: US Clears $8.6 Billion Arms Package For Middle East Partners; Trump Declares Iran Conflict Over