US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany within the next year, the Pentagon confirmed on Friday. This announcement marks the latest friction point in deteriorating transatlantic relations over the Middle East conflict.
The decision emerged as US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to increase tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25 percent next week. Trump accused the bloc of failing to comply with a trade agreement signed last summer.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated in a Friday announcement: "We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to twelve months." "This decision follows a thorough review of the Department's force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground," Parnell added.
President Trump has intensified his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stated Monday that Iran was "humiliating" Washington at the negotiating table. Trump responded sharply, saying Merz "thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn't know what he's talking about!"
On Wednesday, Trump indicated that Washington was "studying and reviewing the possible reduction" of US troops in Germany, promising a decision would come in a "short period of time." Throughout both of his terms in office, Trump has repeatedly threatened to reduce US troop numbers in Germany and other European allies. He has consistently demanded that Europe assume greater responsibility for its own defense rather than depending on Washington.
On Friday, Trump accused German automakers including Mercedes-Benz and BMW of exploiting American consumers. He claimed that Germany and "other European nations have not adhered to our trade deal." Germany faces the prospect of significant economic impact from sharp vehicle tariffs, given its substantial share of EU auto exports.
Trump now appears committed to penalizing allies who have not supported the war effort or contributed to a peacekeeping force in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz waterway, which Iranian forces have effectively closed.
On Thursday, Trump suggested he might withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the war. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said: "Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible." "Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn't I?" Trump added when asked directly about potential troop withdrawals.
As of December 31, 2025, the United States maintained 12,662 active-duty troops in Italy and 3,814 in Spain. In Germany, there were 36,436 American military personnel stationed.
During a visit to Morocco, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated Thursday that Germany was "prepared" for a reduction in US troops and was "discussing it closely and in a spirit of trust in all NATO bodies." While expressing a "relaxed" attitude toward the prospect of fewer US troops in Germany, Wadephul emphasized that large American bases in Germany are "not up for discussion at all."
He specifically cited Ramstein Air Base as having "an irreplaceable function for the United States and for us alike."
The European Union stated Thursday that the deployment of US troops in Europe serves Washington's interests, describing the United States as "a vital partner in contributing to Europe's security and defense."
Trump meanwhile directed criticism at Chancellor Merz again, urging him to concentrate on ending the Ukraine war instead of "interfering" on Iran. European powers have maintained heightened alert status since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. A series of drone incursions over the past year, combined with US signals of reduced commitment to defending the continent, have elevated the security issue to top priority on the European agenda.
Chancellor Merz has prioritized national security, announcing unprecedented investments in Germany's military, which has suffered from decades of underfunding and inadequate equipment. Merz has also reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine, for which Germany has been the second-largest individual supplier of aid after the United States.
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