Trump orders troop withdrawal from Germany

The United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany following an order from President Donald Trump, marking a significant shift in the American military presence in Europe amid rising tensions with Berlin.

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The move, confirmed by the Pentagon on Friday, comes as relations between Washington and the German government led by Friedrich Merz have deteriorated in recent days.

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.

Pentagon officials said the repositioning of troops would take place gradually, with the process expected to be completed within six to twelve months.

Friction with Germany over Iran conflict

The decision follows growing frustration within the Trump administration toward Germany and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization over their role during the United States’ war with Iran.

Washington has repeatedly criticised some European allies for what it views as insufficient support during the conflict.

The dispute intensified this week after Chancellor Merz publicly commented on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian actions have disrupted global energy supplies.

Merz said Iran was “humiliating” the United States as it restricted shipping through the strategic waterway, triggering volatility in international energy markets.

Pentagon cites review of European deployments

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the withdrawal in a statement, saying the move followed a review of the US military’s posture in Europe.

He said the decision reflected “theatre requirements and conditions on the ground” and was made after assessing how American forces are deployed across the region.

The Pentagon did not provide details about where the withdrawing troops might be relocated.

Expected political backlash

The planned withdrawal is likely to face resistance in Washington.

Members of both major political parties in Congress are expected to challenge the decision, reflecting longstanding bipartisan support for maintaining a strong US military presence in Europe.

Germany hosts one of the largest contingents of American forces outside the United States and has long served as a key hub for US military operations across the continent.

Any significant reduction in troop numbers could therefore carry wider implications for NATO’s posture in Europe and the alliance’s response to security threats.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026