U.S. president Donald Trump said Washington is considering reducing its military presence in Germany, as tensions escalate with Berlin over the ongoing Iran conflict.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform
The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time.
The United States maintained more than 35,000 troops in Germany in 2024, according to official data, while recent estimates suggest the figure may now be closer to 50,000.
The remarks come amid a growing dispute between Trump and German chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. Trump has increasingly criticised allies he believes have failed to support Washington’s position or contribute efforts to a peacekeeping force in the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier on Wednesday, April 30th U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to discuss the situation in Iran and the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
Despite the exchange, Merz sought to downplay the tensions, stating that his personal relationship with Trump remained “just as good as before.”
