Trump to Pull Thousands of Troops From Germany

President Donald Trump announced plans to significantly reduce U.S. military forces in Germany, with the Pentagon initially announcing a withdrawal of 5,000 troops before Trump said he would go "a lot further" than that figure. The announcement, which came amid escalating tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, blindsided NATO allies who had expected coordinated discussions about any force posture changes. The decision follows Merz's recent comments accusing Washington of being "humiliated" by Iran and lacking a clear strategy in the conflict. The U.S. currently maintains 80,000 to 100,000 troops across Europe, with more than 36,000 stationed in Germany. This military presence, dating back to World War II and the Cold War, has served as a deterrent against Russia while enabling U.S. operations across the Arctic, Africa, and the Middle East. Germany hosts critical infrastructure including Ramstein Air Base, which houses headquarters for U.S. European and Africa Commands, and approximately 100 U.S. nuclear bombs are deployed at bases across five European countries. European leaders at a summit in Yerevan, Armenia, acknowledged the withdrawal as a sign that the continent must take greater responsibility for its own security. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte played down the move while noting European nations have decided to pre-position assets near conflict theaters. Germany has committed to a major military modernization effort, including a 100 billion euro special fund and plans to increase personnel to 260,000. Republican leaders in Congress warned that a premature drawdown would send the wrong signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin as his war in Ukraine continues, suggesting troops should be shifted eastward rather than withdrawn entirely.