Trump Attacks Germany Again—But Would Troop Withdrawal Actually Hurt US?
President Donald Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and threatened to reduce U.S. troop levels in Germany, citing disagreements over Iran policy, while defense experts warn such a withdrawal could undermine American strategic interests. Germany hosts nearly 40,000 U.S. troops and key military installations like Ramstein Air Base, which are critical for NATO operations and U.S. missions in the Middle East. Retired General Ben Hodges and other officials argue that troop reductions driven by political retaliation, rather than strategy, could harm U.S. military effectiveness and alliances.
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By Ellie CookSenior Defense ReporterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.President Donald Trump launched a fresh verbal attack on Germany's leader shortly after threatening to reduce the number of American troops on German soil, which a former top general warned could hurt America's own defense.Chancellor Friedrich Merz should not interfere with "those that are getting rid of the Iran Nuclear threat, thereby making the World, including Germany, a safer place," Trump said in a post to his Truth Social platform on Thursday.On Wednesday, Trump said he was looking at slicing the amount of American troops in Germany, a major NATO player, in response to Merz saying…
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