Trump’s threat to withdraw troops from Germany unlikely to be acted on for now
US President Donald Trump has threatened to reduce American troop levels in Germany following criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US strategy in the Iran war, though immediate action is unlikely due to operational and political constraints. Merz initially expressed support for the US military action against Iran, earning praise from Trump, but later voiced concerns about the lack of a clear US strategy. The exchange has intensified European worries about the reliability of US security commitments, even as practical and congressional hurdles make swift troop withdrawal difficult.
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For subscribersNews analysisTrump’s threat to withdraw troops from Germany unlikely to be acted on for now Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House on March 3.PHOTO: REUTERSJonathan EyalPublished Apr 30, 2026, 06:05 PMUpdated Apr 30, 2026, 10:25 PMListenSummariseDonald Trump threatened to reduce US troops in Germany following German Chancellor Merz's criticism of his Iran war strategy.Mr Merz initially backed the US on Iran but later criticised Trump's strategy, drawing praise then dismissal from Trump.Trump's troop withdrawal threats heighten European concerns about enduring US security commitment, though operational needs and Congress may complicate immediate changes.AI…
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