The Pentagon has announced that approximately 5,000 US troops will withdraw from Germany over the next six to twelve months, deepening a rift between Washington and its European allies over the Iran war.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal following what the Pentagon described as a thorough review of US force posture in Europe. The announcement came as Trump also threatened to raise EU car tariffs to 25 percent.

Why is the US withdrawing troops from Germany?

The withdrawal follows a public dispute between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Iran was “humiliating” Washington at the negotiating table. Trump has also made repeated demands that Europe take greater responsibility for its own defense rather than depending on Washington. The Pentagon said the decision reflected both a review of force posture and “theater requirements and conditions on the ground.”

How many US troops are currently stationed in Germany?

As of 31 December 2025, there were 36,436 active-duty US troops in Germany. The withdrawal of 5,000 represents a significant but partial reduction. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the drawdown is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.

Germany’s defense minister Boris Pistorius said the withdrawal had been anticipated. “That US troops are withdrawing from Europe and also from Germany was to be expected,” he said in a statement. He added that Europeans “must take greater responsibility” for their own security.

What has Trump said about Germany and the Iran war?

Trump renewed his criticism of Merz this week, accusing him of thinking it was acceptable for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and telling him to focus on ending the Ukraine war instead of “interfering” on Iran. On Wednesday, Trump said Washington was “studying and reviewing” a possible troop reduction in Germany, signaling a decision would come quickly. The formal Pentagon order followed two days later.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking during a visit to Morocco, said Germany was “prepared” for a troop reduction and was discussing it with NATO partners. He described himself as “relaxed” about fewer US troops but said large American bases in Germany were “not up for discussion at all.” He pointed specifically to Ramstein Air Base as having an “irreplaceable function” for both countries.

Could US troops also leave Italy and Spain?

Trump said on Thursday he may also pull troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the Iran war. “Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible,” he told reporters in the Oval Office. Asked if he would follow through, Trump said: “Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn’t I?”

As of 31 December 2025, there were 12,662 active-duty US troops in Italy and 3,814 in Spain. The EU responded on Thursday by saying US troop deployments in Europe served Washington’s own interests, describing the United States as “a vital partner in contributing to Europe’s security and defense.” Trump also accused German automakers including Mercedes-Benz and BMW of taking advantage of American consumers, and said Germany and other European nations had failed to comply with a trade deal struck last summer.

What does the withdrawal mean for European security?

European powers have been on heightened alert since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and a series of drone incursions over the past year has pushed defense spending to the top of the political agenda.

Merz has made national security a priority, announcing unprecedented investment in Germany’s long-underfunded military. Germany has also reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, for which it is the second-largest individual supplier of aid after the United States.