The Pentagon announced on Friday that President Donald Trump is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, widening a rift over the Iran war between the United States and Europe. The decision follows Trump's threat earlier this week after a dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stated that Iranians were humiliating the US in peace talks and questioned Washington's exit strategy.
Pentagon Cites 'Inappropriate' German Rhetoric
A senior Pentagon official, speaking anonymously, described recent German comments as 'inappropriate and unhelpful,' adding that the president is responding to these counterproductive remarks. The withdrawal is expected to take six to 12 months to complete. Germany hosts approximately 35,000 active-duty US military personnel, the largest contingent in Europe.
Return to Pre-2022 Troop Levels
The official noted that the drawdown would reduce US troop levels in Europe to roughly pre-2022 numbers, before Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted a buildup under former President Joe Biden. The decision also aligns with the Trump administration's push for Europe to take primary responsibility for its own security. However, it serves as a stark reminder of Trump's willingness to respond to perceived disloyalty from allies.
Reuters exclusively reported last week on an internal Pentagon email outlining options to punish NATO allies deemed unsupportive of US operations in Iran, including suspending Spain from NATO and reviewing the US stance on Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands.
Trump Singles Out Germany
Trump has specifically criticized Germany, even as he has chastised other NATO allies for failing to send naval forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments that has remained virtually shut, causing market turmoil and energy disruptions. Merz has stated that Germans and Europeans were not consulted before the US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran on February 28, and he conveyed his skepticism directly to Trump.
'The president has been very clear about his frustrations about our allies' rhetoric and failure to provide support for US operations that benefit them,' the senior Pentagon official said.
Longstanding Desire to Reduce Forces in Germany
Trump has long sought to reduce the US troop presence in Germany, pushing for a cut at the end of his first term that was never enacted after he lost the election and Biden reversed the plan. His Wednesday announcement that he was reviewing troop levels surprised German military officials, who pointed to constructive meetings at the Pentagon earlier that day. They argue that Germany has provided more support than other allies, including allowing base usage and overflight permissions, and hosting a major military hospital in Landstuhl.
As part of the withdrawal, a brigade combat team currently in Germany will be removed, and a long-range fires battalion planned for deployment by the Biden administration later this year will not deploy, the official confirmed.
