President Donald Trump has announced the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 American troops from Germany, according to Pentagon officials. This move follows a deepening feud between the US president and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israeli war against Iran. The rift widened after Merz stated that Washington was being humiliated by Iranian leadership and criticized the US lack of strategy in the conflict.
Trump has expanded his threats to other NATO allies, stating he is considering pulling US troops out of Italy and Spain. He described European countries as absolutely horrible for refusing to support operations in the strait of Hormuz and criticized European allies for not doing enough to pay for their own defense. Trump further attacked Chancellor Merz, claiming he is doing a terrible job with his own country and should focus on European affairs rather than interfering with Washington's efforts to tackle the Iran nuclear threat.
In response, Chancellor Merz emphasized that the transatlantic partnership remains strong, while the German government stated it is prepared for the reduction of US forces. Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto, rejected accusations that Rome has not assisted the US with maritime security in the strait of Hormuz. While some senior US Army officers in Germany highlighted the benefits of the American military presence, a senior Pentagon official characterized recent rhetoric from Germany as unhelpful.