Pentagon orders withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany as Trump escalates feud with Merz
The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, a move tied to shifting military posture in Europe. The decision comes amid escalating tensions between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran. The drawdown is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.
- ▪The Pentagon confirmed the withdrawal of about 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months.
- ▪The move follows a review of U.S. force posture in Europe and is linked to tensions between President Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- ▪Approximately 38,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Germany, where U.S. European Command is based at Ramstein Air Base.
- ▪Trump previously ordered the withdrawal of 12,000 troops from Germany in 2020, though that plan was not fully implemented before his term ended.
- ▪Chancellor Merz criticized U.S. policy toward Iran, saying Washington was being 'humiliated by the Iranian leadership.'
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U.S. Defense & Military Politics Pentagon orders withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany as Trump escalates feud with Merz About 38,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Germany, where European Command is headquartered at Ramstein By Brittany Miller Fox News Published May 1, 2026 9:05pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Trump urges NATO allies to secure Strait of Hormuz, challenging German stance U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker discusses President Donald Trump's appeal for European allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz on 'The Story.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Pentagon will withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, a spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital.
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