Trump threatens troop reduction in Germany amid Iran row with Merz
US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States is considering reducing its military presence in Germany, escalating a dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over Iran. Trump stated on social media that a decision on troop levels would be made "over the next short period of time." The Congressional Research Service reported over 35,000 US troops in Germany in 2024, though German media estimates the number closer to 50,000. This threat follows Merz's comments that Tehran outmaneuvered Washington in negotiations, which Trump deemed "humiliating." The move is part of Trump's broader criticism of NATO allies and appears aimed at punishing countries that have not supported the US-Israeli military campaign in Iran or contributed to a peacekeeping force in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul by telephone.
Key facts
- Trump said US is considering reducing troops in Germany
- Decision to be made over the next short period of time
- Over 35,000 US troops in Germany in 2024 per Congressional Research Service
- German media estimates nearly 50,000 troops
- Merz's comments on Iran negotiations angered Trump
- Trump has previously threatened to cut troops in Germany
- Punishment for lack of support in US-Israeli Iran war and Strait of Hormuz force
- Rubio spoke with German Foreign Minister Wadephul on Wednesday
Entities
Institutions
- United States
- Germany
- Congressional Research Service
- Nato
- Strait of Hormuz
Locations
- United States
- Germany
- Iran
- Washington
- Tehran
- Strait of Hormuz