image sourced from original article at The United States will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany over the next six to 12 months, the Defense Department announced, citing tensions with Berlin over the war with Iran. The move follows public disagreements between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who criticized Washington’s strategy and handling of the conflict.
A senior Defense Department official said the drawdown would return United States troop levels in Europe to roughly where they stood before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted a buildup. Germany currently hosts about 35,000 active duty American service members, more than any other European country.
The decision reflects Trump’s longstanding push for European nations to take greater responsibility for their own security, but it also underscores strains in the alliance. German officials expressed surprise at the announcement, noting their country’s support for United States operations, including granting base access and overflight permissions during the Iran conflict.
