U.S. to reduce troop numbers in Germany by 5,000
- 1 day ago
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The decision came one day after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, claiming that the United States had been “humiliated” by Iranian negotiators.
The United States maintains a significant military presence in Germany, with more than 36,000 active-duty troops stationed at bases across the country as of December 2025.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said: “The presence of American troops in Europe, especially in Germany, is in the interests of both us and the United States.” However, he also made clear that the decision did not come as a surprise to him.
In social media posts, Trump said Merz was “doing a terrible job” and facing “all kinds of problems,” including migration and energy issues. He also proposed withdrawing U.S. troops from Italy and Spain.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated: “We expect the withdrawal process to be completed within the next 6 to 12 months.”
Trump, who has long criticized the NATO alliance, has also sharply criticized allies for refusing to participate in operations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: BBC News
