US to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany

The decision to cut US troops comes amid rising tensions after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran’s leadership.
US to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany

The decision to cut US troops comes amid rising tensions after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran’s leadership.
The US currently has more forces in Germany than anywhere else in Europe, dating from the end of World War II and the start of the Cold War.

As of December 2025, more than 36,000 active service members were stationed in Germany, according to the US Defense Manpower Data Center.

The drawdown is to be completed over the next six to 12 months, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.

“The decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground,” he added.

What to know about the feud between Trump and Merz
The announcement came a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut US troop numbers in Germany, and criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of around 5,000 American troops stationed in Germany, the Pentagon said on Friday.

The drawdown is to be completed over the next six to 12 months, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.

“The decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground,” he added.

What to know about the feud between Trump and Merz
The announcement came a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut US troop numbers in Germany, and criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran.

German Chancellor Merz criticizes US over Iran war

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Trump lashed out at Merz over his criticism of the Iran war, saying that the German leader “doesn’t know what he’s talking about!” and calling him “totally ineffective.”

On Friday, Trump also announced an increase in tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union, a move that will hit Germany hardest.

A senior ​Pentagon official told Reuters that recent German rhetoric had been “inappropriate and unhelpful.”

“The president ​is rightly reacting to these counterproductive remarks,” the news agency quoted the unnamed official as saying.