Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw more US troops from Germany after announcing the removal of 5,000 soldiers last week, a move that has alarmed European allies and senior Republicans. The initial withdrawal, confirmed by the Pentagon on Friday, reduces the US presence in Germany to 30,000 troops, but Trump told reporters on Saturday that further cuts are planned. “We are going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” he said.
The decision follows comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran. Speaking to students in Marsberg, Merz criticised Iranian negotiating tactics and expressed hope that the situation would end quickly. The Pentagon described the withdrawal as part of a “thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe” in recognition of “theatre requirements and conditions on the ground”.
Senior Republicans, including Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, expressed concern in a joint statement on Saturday. They noted that Germany had increased defence spending and provided support for US operations against Iran. “Rather than withdrawing forces from the continent altogether, it is in the US interest to maintain a strong deterrent in Europe by moving these 5,000 US forces to the east,” they said, emphasising the need for coordination with Congress and allies.
The tensions highlight broader strains between the US and Nato allies over the conflict with Iran. A leaked Pentagon email suggested punishing Spain, a vocal critic of the war, by suspending it from the alliance.
