Trump vows deeper US troop cuts in Germany beyond 5,000, eyes Spain and Italy
Synopsis
Trump has signalled a troop pullout from Germany far deeper than the 5,000 the Pentagon announced — and is now threatening similar cuts in Spain and Italy. The move is directly tied to a public spat with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US military campaign in Iran, marking one of the sharpest transatlantic ruptures in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
President Trump said the US will cut troops from Germany
US President Donald Trump on Thursday, 1 May 2025, said the United States plans to withdraw
Point of View
000 US troops, two major commands, and Ramstein Air Base in Germany, a significant drawdown would have real operational consequences for NATO, not just symbolic ones. The fact that Spain and Italy are now also in Trump's crosshairs suggests this is a pattern of coercive diplomacy, not a coherent force-posture review.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many US troops are currently stationed in Germany?
As of the end of last year, more than 36,000 US active-duty troops were deployed across bases in Germany, along with nearly 1,500 reservists and 11,500 civilians, according to US Defence Department data. Germany also hosts the headquarters of US European Command and US Africa Command, and Ramstein Air Base serves as a critical hub for US military operations.
Why is Trump threatening to withdraw troops from Germany?
Trump's announcement followed a public dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who criticised the US military engagement in Iran as 'planless' and said the US 'is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership.' Trump called Merz's remarks 'inappropriate and unhelpful' and said the German leader 'doesn't know what he's talking about.'
Will the US also reduce troops in Spain and Italy?
Trump said on Thursday that he may also reduce US military presence in Spain and Italy, calling Italy 'not helpful' and Spain 'horrible.' He linked the possible reductions to what he described as a lack of support from European allies in the US-Israeli campaign against Iran.
How has Germany responded to the troop withdrawal threat?
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday that Germany is prepared for a possible reduction of US troops in the country. The German government has not publicly escalated the dispute further.
What did the Pentagon say about the troop withdrawal from Germany?
A senior US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said earlier this week that the Pentagon is planning to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany. Trump subsequently said the actual figure would be 'a lot further' than 5,000.
