Amid a dispute between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Donald Trump about the war with Iran, the US Defense Department intends to remove 5,000 troops from Germany. The decision was made one day after Trump chastised Merz for implying that Iranian negotiators had “humiliated” the United States.
Trump said Merz was “doing a terrible job” and had “problems of all kinds” in social media remarks on Thursday, including issues with energy and immigration. Additionally, Trump has proposed removing US forces from Spain and Italy. As of December of last year, the United States maintained a substantial military presence in Germany, with over 36,000 active-duty soldiers stationed at various locations throughout the country.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued the directive, according to a statement from Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.He stated, “This decision is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground and comes after a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe.”We anticipate finishing the withdrawal during the next six to twelve months. Trump, a lifelong opponent of NATO, has been attacking countries for refusing to take part in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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