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The U.S. is set to pull back 5,000 troops from Germany, announced by the Pentagon on Friday, amid rising tensions with Europe over the Iran conflict. President Donald Trump earlier threatened a reduction in forces following a dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who criticized Iran’s diplomatic moves as humiliating to the U.S. and questioned Washington’s exit strategy.
A senior Pentagon source, speaking anonymously, called Germany’s recent statements “inappropriate and unhelpful,” and clarified that the President’s reaction was justified. The withdrawal is expected to be finalized within six to twelve months. Germany currently hosts approximately 35,000 active U.S. military personnel—the largest U.S. presence in Europe.
This drawdown aims to return U.S. troop numbers in Europe to levels before efforts by President Biden to bolster forces following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The move also underscores the Trump administration’s push for Europe to assume greater security responsibilities, though it highlights Trump’s readiness to punish allies seen as disloyal.
Last week, Reuters reported on an internal Pentagon email outlining potential measures against NATO allies for not backing U.S. efforts in the Iran conflict, including considerations to suspend Spain from NATO and reconsider the UK’s claim to the Falklands.
The question remains whether this marks the beginning of more troop withdrawals in Europe. Trump hinted at possible future actions regarding Italy and Spain, responding “probably” to questions about withdrawing from those countries. Last month, he threatened a complete U.S. trade embargo on Spain, where the government opposes US military bases and overflights that could target Iran. Notably, the U.S. maintains key bases at Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.
Trump has also clashed with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over Iran policies and criticized Pope Leo. In April, he accused Meloni of lacking courage and betraying U.S. interests. Additionally, Trump has rebuked NATO allies for not deploying naval assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments that has remained largely inactive during the Iran conflict, causing market instability and energy disruptions.
A senior Pentagon official emphasized that President Trump is frustrated with allies’ rhetoric and their lack of support for U.S. operations that benefit them.
Merz mentioned that Germans and Europeans were not consulted before the U.S. and Israel began targeting Iran in late February, expressing skepticism about the conflict. Trump has long sought to decrease the U.S. military footprint in Germany, initially proposing a reduction of about 12,000 troops during his first term, a plan that was halted after his electoral loss, with President Biden reversing it.
The recent announcement surprised German military officials, who noted that Germany had contributed significantly to Iran-related operations, including providing bases and overflight permissions. Germany also hosts a substantial military hospital in Landstuhl and recently approved increased defense spending in its 2027 budget.
Analyst Imran Bayoumi, formerly with the Pentagon, warned that the troop cuts, though less severe than possible, could deepen divisions between the U.S. and Europe. He predicts European nations will push for increased defense spending, increasingly viewing Washington as unreliable.
As part of the troop reduction, a brigade combat team currently stationed in Germany will be withdrawn, and a long-range fires battalion planned for deployment later this year will no longer be sent, the Pentagon official added.
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