Trump orders troop withdrawal from Germany

Only 5000? It’s time for a full withdrawal. Europe can pound sand.

5000? No big deal.

Gesture politics.

About time too, just time to dump NATO now, along with the EHRC, WHO, UN and all of the other useless cabals that serve no useful purpose.

Just now, mfd101 said:

5000? No big deal.

Gesture politics.

It’s a significant chunk, not just gesture politics. Removing 5,000 troops represents approximately 14% of the roughly 36,000 to 39,000 American service members currently stationed in Germany. This isn't just a symbolic shuffling of papers; it's a structural reduction that has real operational consequences.

Just now, Smokey and the Bandit said:

It’s a significant chunk, not just gesture politics. Removing 5,000 troops represents approximately 14% of the roughly 36,000 to 39,000 American service members currently stationed in Germany. This isn't just a symbolic shuffling of papers; it's a structural reduction that has real operational consequences.

This hurts Germany financially as those people will not be buying anything or travelling

Just now, TedG said:

Only 5000? It’s time for a full withdrawal. Europe can pound sand.

Agree. It is time to build an active, strong, and sovereign European defence force — proud, professional, and ready.

Young people should be able to serve with pride, purpose, and proper training. Double the active standing force, invest in quality, and create a military culture where service is respected as a serious professional path.

Preparedness is not fear. Preparedness is responsibility.

There was a time when many of us looked up to the United States. The economy was booming, everything looked prosperous, and it seemed like real progress was being made.

But we have learned that much of it was an image without a deeper foundation.

When leaders sell out their own people and then turn around and blame their allies, trust is broken.

Depending blindly on a two-faced nation that speaks with a forked tongue belongs to history.

Europe must stand firmly on its own feet. Allies are valuable, but dependence is weakness. We must be strong enough to defend ourselves alone.

"As of December 2025, the U.S. has approximately 68,064 active-duty military personnel permanently assigned in Europe. In contrast, European NATO members (excluding the U.S.) hold roughly 2 million active-duty soldiers. The U.S. footprint is spread over roughly 31 permanent bases, with the highest concentrations in Germany and Italy"

Just now, Smokey and the Bandit said:

It’s a significant chunk, not just gesture politics. Removing 5,000 troops represents approximately 14% of the roughly 36,000 to 39,000 American service members currently stationed in Germany. This isn't just a symbolic shuffling of papers; it's a structural reduction that has real operational consequences.

Strategic it is stupid for Usa, but hey, who I am to teach Americans strategy, seems the Americans got the best man for the job, good luck

Fresh out of the propaganda machinery, and no edits, just raw Donald from the start to the end. Enjoy!

Just now, webfact said:

Troop levels to return to pre-2022 levels

A senior Pentagon official said the redeployment would reduce the number of US service members stationed in Germany to roughly the level seen before 2022.

The withdrawal will affect a brigade combat team currently deployed in the country, as well as potentially other American forces based there.

Plans by the previous administration to deploy a long-range fires battalion to Germany later this year are also expected to be scrapped as part of the changes.

Why did the USA spend all that money on sending an extra 5000 personnel after 2022? Both Biden & Trump seem to have wasted an awful lot of money on this.

According to AI, "European countries have drastically increased defense spending since 2022, with EU military budgets rising over 30% between 2021 and 2024 to an estimated €343 billion. By 2025, spending is expected to reach €381 billion. NATO's European members saw a 14% increase in 2025 alone compared to 2024, reaching €739 billion, the fastest growth since 1953."

Assuming the AI is accurate, Hegseth has wasted a lot of money since he came into power. The US should have been collecting a dividend based on Europe's investment. And Trump finally is, even though it's hidden behind some political sniping.

Merz told Trump the truth, which hurt little Donnie’s feelings. And now Trump is lashing out, as he always does when his fragile ego gets hurt.

Just now, Watawattana said:

Why did the USA spend all that money on sending an extra 5000 personnel after 2022? Both Biden & Trump seem to have wasted an awful lot of money on this.

According to AI, "European countries have drastically increased defense spending since 2022, with EU military budgets rising over 30% between 2021 and 2024 to an estimated €343 billion. By 2025, spending is expected to reach €381 billion. NATO's European members saw a 14% increase in 2025 alone compared to 2024, reaching €739 billion, the fastest growth since 1953."

Assuming the AI is accurate, Hegseth has wasted a lot of money since he came into power. The US should have been collecting a dividend based on Europe's investment. And Trump finally is, even though it's hidden behind some political sniping.

Just the administration making cheap points on Europe for their own fan club, pure propaganda

Conspiracy and troll post removed.

Just now, thaibreaker said:

Just think about having the world's most powerful leader wobbling around, acting on his own hurt FEELINGS..

But here we are.

I agree- and his finger is on the nuclear button!!

30 minutes ago, TedG said:

Only 5000? It’s time for a full withdrawal. Europe can pound sand.

Nice post. What US would do without the strategic centres in Germany? Unable to start any war. Maybe the Germans should kick out the Americans for peace reasons in the world.

Just now, D Peter said:

Nice post. What US would do without the strategic centres in Germany? Unable to start any war. Maybe the Germans should kick out the Americans for peace reasons in the world.

Exactly. Hence my post on this in the other thread, where Trump threatened to withdraw.
"They could have reduced their presence already many years ago. However that would greatly reduce their influence, therefore it hasn't happened.

But Europe won't reject a reduction."

Trump the traitor pulling assets to allow Putin easier access in Europe.

Just now, Watawattana said:

Why did the USA spend all that money on sending an extra 5000 personnel after 2022? Both Biden & Trump seem to have wasted an awful lot of money on this.

According to AI, "European countries have drastically increased defense spending since 2022, with EU military budgets rising over 30% between 2021 and 2024 to an estimated €343 billion. By 2025, spending is expected to reach €381 billion. NATO's European members saw a 14% increase in 2025 alone compared to 2024, reaching €739 billion, the fastest growth since 1953."

Assuming the AI is accurate, Hegseth has wasted a lot of money since he came into power. The US should have been collecting a dividend based on Europe's investment. And Trump finally is, even though it's hidden behind some political sniping.

"The US should have been collecting a dividend based on Europe's investment. And Trump finally is, even though it's hidden behind some political sniping."

He is? Do tell!

Just now, D Peter said:

Nice post. What US would do without the strategic centres in Germany? Unable to start any war. Maybe the Germans should kick out the Americans for peace reasons in the world.

Correct. As US Congressman and former commander of Ramstein A/B in Germany points out, the US needs its European bases and allies for strategic and operational reasons.

Without its European airfields and Mediterranean ports (home to the US 6th Fleet) militarily and politically, things will get very difficult.

Yet another childish reaction. Boo-hoo.

Just now, kingstonkid said:

This hurts Germany financially as those people will not be buying anything or travelling

Agreed. Closing down even a small base has huge effects on the local economy. From bars to shops. And they also don't buy public services any more.

And I assume these 5000 are more or less clustered in some form: they were deployed as a combat force in 2022.

Just now, Smokey and the Bandit said:

It’s a significant chunk, not just gesture politics. Removing 5,000 troops represents approximately 14% of the roughly 36,000 to 39,000 American service members currently stationed in Germany. This isn't just a symbolic shuffling of papers; it's a structural reduction that has real operational consequences.

These troops were deployed apparently as a combat force in 2022. Sounds like a response to Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine. I can't remember the details but I can vaguely remember the US also beefing up response capabilities back then. As has Europe especially in the Baltic area.

Pulling the 5000 now is not only an example of Trump's spiteful, performative cruelty 'punishment', this time for Germany. It's also another tip of Trump's hat towards his handler in Moscow. A deliberate weakening of combat force strength in Europe.

Instead of Mein Kampf, perhaps Trump should read How to Make Friends and Influence People.

Most thicko Lard arsed Yanks couldn't point to Europe on a map, let alone Germany and definitely not Thailand. And to have such a thicko running the USA is laughable, where was that halfwit educated

Just now, D Peter said:

Nice post. What US would do without the strategic centres in Germany? Unable to start any war. Maybe the Germans should kick out the Americans for peace reasons in the world.

Very few of the US ground troops in Germany are fighting troops. The vast majority of US installations are logistical, and exist to enable rapid deployment of combat formations to Europe. Since it is very unlikely that Trump would deploy troops to Europe (Putin would have a lot to say) then they might as well go.

As for the air and Naval bases, they exist to support operations in the middle East, and in the case of Spain, potentially Africa.

Trump was hurt by the German PM's criticism and this thin-skinned snowflake has to lash out at people that criticize him. His lack of self esteem compels that.

However even some of Trump's allies in Washington feel that this juvenile move was ignorant and ill-advised.

Mr. Trump has lashed out at Germany and other European countries for not helping more with the Iran war effort, as he has demanded. And the president has chafed at criticism of his handling of the war and suggestions that the American effort had not succeeded.

On Monday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany told German high school students that the United States had “no strategy” to end the war and that Iran’s negotiators had “humiliated” the entire American nation.

In Washington on Saturday, the decision to remove troops drew unusual pushback from Republican leaders in Congress. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Representative Mike Rogers of Alabama, the heads of the Armed Services Committees in their respective chambers, issued a statement saying that they were “very concerned by the decision to withdraw a U.S. brigade from Germany.”

They defended Germany, asserting that it had stepped up its military investment “in response to President Trump’s call for greater burden sharing,” and said that “prematurely reducing America’s forward presence in Europe” would send the wrong signal to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/02/world/europe/germany-trump-merz-troops-withdrawal.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

Breaking News?

World Cup cancelled as Trump takes his ball home.

19 hours ago, Watawattana said:

Why did the USA spend all that money on sending an extra 5000 personnel after 2022? Both Biden & Trump seem to have wasted an awful lot of money on this.

According to AI, "European countries have drastically increased defense spending since 2022, with EU military budgets rising over 30% between 2021 and 2024 to an estimated €343 billion. By 2025, spending is expected to reach €381 billion. NATO's European members saw a 14% increase in 2025 alone compared to 2024, reaching €739 billion, the fastest growth since 1953."

Assuming the AI is accurate, Hegseth has wasted a lot of money since he came into power. The US should have been collecting a dividend based on Europe's investment. And Trump finally is, even though it's hidden behind some political sniping.

Now, what happened in 2022, I wonder? Hmmm...

On 5/3/2026 at 6:24 AM, spidermike007 said:

Trump was hurt by the German PM's criticism and this thin-skinned snowflake has to lash out at people that criticize him. His lack of self esteem compels that.

However even some of Trump's allies in Washington feel that this juvenile move was ignorant and ill-advised.

Mr. Trump has lashed out at Germany and other European countries for not helping more with the Iran war effort, as he has demanded. And the president has chafed at criticism of his handling of the war and suggestions that the American effort had not succeeded.

On Monday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany told German high school students that the United States had “no strategy” to end the war and that Iran’s negotiators had “humiliated” the entire American nation.

In Washington on Saturday, the decision to remove troops drew unusual pushback from Republican leaders in Congress. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Representative Mike Rogers of Alabama, the heads of the Armed Services Committees in their respective chambers, issued a statement saying that they were “very concerned by the decision to withdraw a U.S. brigade from Germany.”

They defended Germany, asserting that it had stepped up its military investment “in response to President Trump’s call for greater burden sharing,” and said that “prematurely reducing America’s forward presence in Europe” would send the wrong signal to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/02/world/europe/germany-trump-merz-troops-withdrawal.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

Troops in Germany was a pot war cold war thing. Canada long ago closed bases I think you will find that Britain has brought a lot home.

It at this stage has little to do with Putin and a lot to do with costs. It's cheaper to house a military unit at home than in Europe.

As to the crying from gop and dem senators or house members you need to look at where their money comes from. I will bet they are backed by companies that supports the military. Don't forget that American troops and families can buy American food in camp. That training means using bullets and equipment that is over priced because it is shipped out of country.

Really? The "Leader" of the "Free World?"

Well it didn't take long for the Germans to change their tone?

The recent diplomatic clash over the 2026 Iran crisis highlights how President Trump effectively outmaneuvered German Chancellor Friedrich Merz by leveraging hard power over diplomatic critique.

After Merz publicly labeled the U.S. strategy a "humiliation" and mocked its lack of an exit strategy on April 27, Trump countered with a blunt dismissal of the Chancellor’s understanding of the situation.

By pairing this rhetorical pushback with implicit threats regarding the future of U.S. troop levels in Germany, the administration forced a rapid pivot in Berlin. Consequently, Merz was compelled to "fold," abandoning his critical tone by April 30 in favor of statements emphasizing "mutual respect" and the "shared transatlantic interest".

This shift effectively silenced European dissent, realigning Germany with the U.S. position that Tehran, rather than Washington, is the party "playing for time".

On 5/2/2026 at 12:12 PM, TedG said:

Only 5000? It’s time for a full withdrawal. Europe can pound sand.

I second that. Prices of prostitutes have been too high near where US troops are quartered.

Just now, Smokey and the Bandit said:

Well it didn't take long for the Germans to change their tone?

The recent diplomatic clash over the 2026 Iran crisis highlights how President Trump effectively outmaneuvered German Chancellor Friedrich Merz by leveraging hard power over diplomatic critique.

After Merz publicly labeled the U.S. strategy a "humiliation" and mocked its lack of an exit strategy on April 27, Trump countered with a blunt dismissal of the Chancellor’s understanding of the situation.

By pairing this rhetorical pushback with implicit threats regarding the future of U.S. troop levels in Germany, the administration forced a rapid pivot in Berlin. Consequently, Merz was compelled to "fold," abandoning his critical tone by April 30 in favor of statements emphasizing "mutual respect" and the "shared transatlantic interest".

This shift effectively silenced European dissent, realigning Germany with the U.S. position that Tehran, rather than Washington, is the party "playing for time".

Absolutely, it took Merz all of 24 hrs to cave!