The United States will withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany over the coming months, the Pentagon has confirmed, in a move that underscores rising friction between Washington and its European allies and a broader recalibration of U.S. military posture in Europe.
The drawdown, expected to be completed within six to twelve months, follows a strategic review of U.S. force deployments and comes amid a public dispute between President Donald Trump and the German chancellor over the handling of the Iran war. Friedrich Merz said on Monday that Iran was “humiliating” Washington in negotiations to end the war in the Middle East.
“We are working with the U.S. to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany,” NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said on X.
Germany currently hosts one of the largest U.S. military contingents in Europe, with roughly 35,000 troops stationed across key bases. The planned reduction would effectively return troop levels to those seen before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted a temporary buildup.
U.S. officials have framed the decision as part of a broader effort to push European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defence, while also responding to what Washington described as “unhelpful rhetoric” from Berlin.
The move has raised concerns among analysts and lawmakers that it could weaken NATO deterrence and further strain transatlantic ties at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, even as European governments step up calls for increased defence spending and strategic autonomy.
It is unclear if more withdrawals from Europe will follow, amid growing uncertainty over the reliability of the NATO alliance.
Earlier this week, President Trump said “probably” when asked whether he would consider pulling U.S. troops out of Italy and Spain. Last month, he threatened to impose a full U.S. trade embargo on Spain after Pedro Sánchez’ Socialist government said it would not allow its bases or airspace to be used to attack Iran.
