Trump Announces Plans to Withdraw More Troops from Germany

Washington, May 3: President Donald Trump has announced plans to further reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany. Earlier this week, the Pentagon indicated that around 5,000 soldiers would be withdrawn, but Trump suggested that the figure could be significantly higher.

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One in Florida, Trump stated, “We are going to cut the number of troops by a lot, and we are bringing back more than 5,000 soldiers.”

Previously, a senior official from the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 American troops from Germany. According to unnamed sources in the U.S. media, recent comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the U.S. military actions against Iran were described as “inappropriate and unhelpful.”

Earlier this week, Merz criticized the U.S. military stance, claiming that America was acting without a plan and appearing weak against Iran’s leadership. In response, Trump sharply criticized the German leader, stating that he “doesn’t know what he is talking about” and is not serious about Iran’s nuclear program.

On Wednesday, Trump took to social media to confirm that discussions were ongoing regarding the reduction of U.S. troops in Germany, with a decision expected soon. He also mentioned the possibility of decreasing military presence in Spain and Italy.

Trump criticized European nations, stating that Italy has provided no assistance and that Spain’s attitude has been poor, especially in the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated on Thursday that Germany is fully prepared for any potential reduction in the number of American troops in the country. According to Defense Department figures, approximately 36,000 U.S. troops were stationed in Germany by the end of last year, along with about 1,500 reserve soldiers and 11,500 civilian employees.

The headquarters of the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command are also located in Germany, with Ramstein Air Base serving as a key center for American military operations.