The Pentagon is considering the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 US service members from Germany as President Donald Trump intensifies his criticism of European allies for their perceived lack of support in the US war against Iran.
According to reports from CBS News and Reuters, the move reflects the president’s growing dissatisfaction with partners who he believes are not adequately sharing the military and financial burden of the conflict.
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Trump has specifically signaled his frustration with German chancellor Friedrich Merz, given Germany’s position as a leading European economy. US officials explained that the proposed withdrawal is part of a broader strategic shift to reallocate resources toward priority zones within the US and the Indo-Pacific region.
Germany has long served as a cornerstone of the US military presence in Europe, currently hosting over 36,000 troops, 1,500 reservists, and nearly 11,500 civilian employees. Only Japan hosts a larger permanent US contingent.
While some troops may be withdrawn, critical facilities such as the Ramstein Air Base and the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center – the largest US military hospital abroad – are expected to continue normal operations. Landstuhl remains vital for treating and evacuating personnel wounded in the ongoing war with Iran.
This potential drawdown coincides with sharp diplomatic friction between Washington and Brussels. While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for long-term projects like the IMEC corridor to bypass the volatile Strait of Hormuz, Trump recently labeled NATO “absolutely useless” for its refusal to join efforts to secure the Persian Gulf.
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