This move comes amid rising tensions between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, particularly over remarks linked to the ongoing Iran situation.
The disagreement quickly turned into a war of words, adding strain to an already delicate diplomatic relationship.
Just a day before the announcement, Trump openly criticized Merz for what he described as “poor performance,” pointing to issues such as immigration and energy challenges.
The criticism followed Merz’s statement suggesting that the United States had faced ‘humiliation’ at the hands of Iranian negotiators a comment that did not sit well in Washington.
According to Pentagon officials, the decision follows a broad and careful review of military positioning across Europe. The withdrawal is expected to be carried out gradually, with completion anticipated within six to twelve months.
Despite the reduction, Germany will still host a significant number of US troops, as more than 36,000 personnel were stationed there as of last December.
The plan also hints at a wider rethink of US commitments in Europe, as Trump has floated the idea of pulling troops out of countries like Italy and Spain.
Known for his critical stance on NATO, Trump has repeatedly urged allied nations to take on a greater share of defense responsibilities.
Analysts believe this move could reshape the security balance in Europe and spark fresh debate about the future of transatlantic alliances.
