WASHINGTON, May 2 (Alliance News): The United States Department of Defense has announced plans to withdraw 5,000 American troops from Germany, marking a significant shift in the US military footprint in Europe amid growing tensions between Washington and its allies.
According to officials, the decision follows escalating disagreements between US President Donald Trump and European leaders over the Iran conflict and broader foreign policy differences.
Trump had earlier criticised Europe’s stance, stating that the continent was undermining US efforts in negotiations related to the crisis.
The dispute also involved German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose remarks on US strategy in the Middle East reportedly contributed to the friction.
A senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described recent German rhetoric as “inappropriate and unhelpful,” while defending the US administration’s response.
The Pentagon said the troop withdrawal is expected to be completed within the next six to twelve months. Currently, around 35,000 US active-duty military personnel are stationed in Germany, making it the largest American military presence in Europe.
The move is seen as part of a broader reassessment of US defence commitments in Europe, raising concerns among NATO allies about the future of transatlantic security cooperation.
Analysts say the reduction could have implications for regional stability and NATO’s operational readiness, particularly at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
