U.S. to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany as Trump feuds with Merz over the Iran war
The U.S. plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany within the next 6 to 12 months, according to the Pentagon. The move follows a review of U.S. force posture in Europe and comes amid tensions between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran conflict. The withdrawal would reduce the U.S. military presence in Germany by about 14% of the current 36,000 troops stationed there.
- ▪The Pentagon stated the troop withdrawal is based on a review of force posture and current conditions in Europe.
- ▪President Trump has clashed with Chancellor Merz, who criticized U.S. strategy in the war against Iran.
- ▪Approximately 14% of the 36,000 U.S. troops in Germany will be affected by the withdrawal.
- ▪Major U.S. military installations in Germany include Ramstein Air Base and the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
- ▪A similar troop withdrawal plan was proposed during Trump’s first term but was halted by President Biden in 2021.
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The United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany in the next 6-12 months, the Pentagon said Friday.Recommended Video President Donald Trump had threatened to withdraw some troops from the NATO ally earlier this week as he continues to feud with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S-Israel war against Iran. Merz said the U.S. was being “humiliated” by the Iranian leadership and criticized Washington’s lack of strategy in the war. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that 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.” The U.S. has several major military facilities in Germany, including the headquarters for U.S. European Command and U.S.
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