Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he is considering a reduction of American military forces stationed in Germany, following critical comments against the German chancellor regarding the war in Iran.
“The United States is currently studying and examining the possibility of reducing military personnel in Germany, and a decision will be made very soon,” wrote the American president on his Truth Social platform.
More than 35,000 American military personnel were stationed in Germany in 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service, but German media estimate that their number is now closer to 50,000.
Throughout his two terms, the Republican has consistently criticized NATO and threatened to reduce American troops in Germany and other European countries.
His decision on Wednesday to review the troops in Germany comes after sharp criticisms towards German chancellor Friedrich Merz.
He accused him of “not knowing what he was talking about” on Iran, after the German leader stated that “Americans apparently have no strategy” in Iran and judged that Tehran was “humiliating” the world’s leading power.
Following these diatribes and before Donald Trump’s decision to consider withdrawing troops in Germany, the US Secretary of State spoke on the phone Wednesday with the German Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Johann Wadephul and Marco Rubio discussed the issue of Iran and the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
The German chancellor eased tensions on Wednesday, saying that his relations with Donald Trump remain “good and unchanged.”
However, Washington seems determined to implement retaliatory measures against Western allies for their lack of commitment to the war in Iran.
Last week, an article indicated that the United States was considering suspending Spain from NATO and could reassess their position on the Falkland Islands in response to the lack of British support for the war against Iran.
Washington later reaffirmed neutrality regarding the contested sovereignty of the Falkland Islands between Argentina and Great Britain, who engaged in a brief but bloody war in 1982 for control of the archipelago, won by Great Britain.
