U.S. to Withdraw 5,000 Troops from Germany Amid Tensions with Berlin
The Pentagon announces the withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany within the next six to twelve months, following disagreements between President Trump and Chancellor Merz over the U.S. military presence in Europe.
The United States will withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months, the Pentagon announced on Friday. This decision follows recent tensions between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concerning the U.S. military's role in Europe.
Currently, the U.S. maintains about 36,000 service members in Germany, contributing to a total of 68,000 active-duty personnel stationed across Europe as of December 2025. The planned reduction represents roughly 14% of the U.S. forces in Germany.
The U.S. military presence in Europe has historically served as a deterrent against potential adversaries and supported various global operations. However, President Trump has advocated for European nations to assume greater responsibility for their own defense.
In response to the announcement, Chancellor Merz expressed concerns about the implications for European security and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between NATO allies.
The withdrawal is expected to commence in the coming months, with specific details regarding the redeployment or reassignment of the affected troops yet to be disclosed.