President Donald Trump has announced the withdrawal of 5,000 active-duty troops from Germany, returning the American military presence there to pre-Ukraine War levels. Trump has doubled down on this decision, indicating that a substantial further reduction is imminent and that the U.S. will be cutting a lot further than 5,000 soldiers. He has also threatened to rollback troops in Spain and Italy.
The abrupt announcement was made without prior warning to allies, and U.S. defense officials stated that military branches learned of the decision in real time. Trump has expressed increasing frustration with European nations, accusing them of ignoring requests for assistance in the U.S. war with Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The move comes amid an ongoing feud between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, sparked by Merz's criticism of Washington's strategy and the war in Iran. While Germany's defense minister stated that Europe must take more responsibility for its own security, top Republicans have warned that reducing troop numbers sends the wrong signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin.