US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 US troops in Germany within the next year, the Pentagon announced Friday, May 1.
- Force Reduction: Roughly 5,000 troops to be withdrawn from Germany over the next six to 12 months.
- Broader Threats: Potential troop reductions also being considered for Italy (12,662 troops) and Spain (3,814 troops).
- Political Friction: The move follows a dispute between President Donald Trump and Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the US-Israeli war against Iran.
The decision follows a period of tension between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The conflict intensified after Merz stated on Monday that Iran is “humiliating” Washington at the negotiating table.
President Trump responded on Tuesday, claiming Merz “thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” adding that the chancellor “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
Pentagon Review and Timeline
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months. He noted the decision resulted from a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and current theater requirements.
This move aligns with a recurring theme in Trump’s administration, as he has frequently urged European allies to assume greater responsibility for their own defense rather than relying on Washington.
Potential Withdrawals in Italy and Spain
The administration is also considering reducing troop levels in other NATO allies. On Thursday, Trump suggested he may pull troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the war against Iran.
“Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, questioning why he should maintain the presence there.
As of December 31, 2025, the US maintained 12,662 active-duty troops in Italy and 3,814 in Spain, while the troop count in Germany stood at 36,436.
Diplomatic Reactions
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking from Morocco, stated that Germany is “prepared” for a reduction and is discussing the matter within NATO bodies.
While Wadephul expressed that he was “relaxed” about the reduction, he emphasized that large American bases, such as Ramstein Air Base, are “not up for discussion at all” due to their irreplaceable function.
The European Union stated Thursday that the deployment of US troops remains in Washington’s interest and characterized the United States as a “vital partner” in European security and defense.
President Trump has continued to criticize Chancellor Merz, instructing him to focus on ending the war in Ukraine instead of “interfering” on the issue of Iran.
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