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US Troop Levels in Europe
Comparison of current US troop deployments in key European nations.
Primary Sources
US to cut troop levels in Germany by 5,000 amid Trump spat with Merz
6 hours agoMax MatzaGetty ImagesThe US Defence Department plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, amid a spat between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war with Iran. The decision comes a day after Trump criticised Merz, who suggested the US had been "humiliated" by Iranian negotiators. In social media posts on Thursday, Trump said Merz was "doing a terrible job" and had "problems of all kinds", including on immigration and energy. Trump has also suggested pulling US troops from Italy and Spain.The US has a significant military presence in Germany, with more than 36,000 active duty troops assigned to bases across the country as of last December.In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the order had come from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth."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," he said."We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to twelve months."Trump, a longtime critic of the Nato alliance, has been lashing out at allies over their refusal to participate in operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Asked on Thursday whether he would also consider pulling US troops from Italy and Spain, Trump responded: "I probably will - look, why shouldn't I?""Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible," he added, criticising them for their response to the war in Iran. "In all cases they said, 'I don't want to get involved.'"Merz told university students earlier this week that "the Americans clearly have no strategy" and he could not see "what strategic exit" they might choose."The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skilful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result," he said.He added that the "entire nation" was being "humiliated" by the Iranian leadership.In response, Trump took to his platform Truth Social, where he said Merz thought it was "OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon" and "doesn't know what he's talking about"."No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise!" the post read.The BBC has contacted the German embassy in Washington for comment.The US military deployment in Germany is by far its biggest in Europe, with about 12,000 troops in Italy and a further 10,000 in the UK. Many are stationed at Ramstein Air Base outside the south-wes...
US To Pull 5,000 Troops From Germany As Trump-Merz Rift Deepens
US NewsAuthored by: Naman TrivediUpdated May 2, 2026, 03:05 ISTThe US plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany as Trump clashes with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war. The move reflects rising tensions with NATO allies and frustration over their limited military involvement.US To Pull 5,000 Troops From Germany As Trump-Merz Rift DeepensThe Pentagon is planning to withdraw about 5,000 American troops from Germany, a move senior defense officials say reflects growing frustration within the administration of Donald Trump over the role of European allies in the ongoing conflict with Iran.Officials described the planned withdrawal as a signal of Trump’s dissatisfaction with what he sees as limited support from NATO partners. The president has publicly criticized Friedrich Merz and other alliance leaders for not directly joining the US military campaign against Iran.The United States has maintained a significant military presence in Germany since the aftermath of World War II and throughout the Cold War. As of last December, more than 36,000 active-duty troops were stationed across the country, alongside nearly 1,500 reservists and 11,500 civilians. Germany also hosts key strategic installations, including the headquarters of U.S. European Command and Africa Command, as well as Ramstein Air Base, a central hub for operations.Defense officials said some of the troops being withdrawn from Europe may return to the US before being redeployed elsewhere, particularly in line with Pentagon priorities focused on the homeland and the Indo-Pacific region. However, they emphasized that the move will not impact medical evacuations to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest US military hospital abroad, which has treated personnel injured in Iranian strikes.Tensions between Trump and Merz have escalated in recent days. The German chancellor criticized the US approach to Iran, saying Washington lacked a clear strategy and was being “humiliated” in negotiations. Trump pushed back sharply, saying Merz “doesn’t know what he’s talking about” and accused him of interfering.The disagreement highlights broader strains between the US and NATO allies, many of whom have avoided direct involvement in the Iran conflict while dealing with rising energy costs. Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO, even threatening to leave the alliance, though a 2023 law requires congressional approval for such a move.Trump had previously considered reducing U.S. troop levels in Germany ...
Trump administration is pulling 5,000 troops from Germany
7 hours ago ... The U.S. is withdrawing approximately 5000 troops from Germany, Pentagon officials said Friday, after President Donald Trump threatened to do so this week ...
US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany after chancellor criticized ...
The Pentagon said on Friday the US will be withdrawing roughly 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year. The move, which comes after President Donald Trump lashed out the German chancellor ...
