US President Donald Trump did not rule out further reducing American troops in Europe, citing "great disappointment" with NATO. The comments were made during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that the reduction in US troop levels in Europe will commence immediately. He assured that in the event of war, the US would commit fully to defending the EU and NATO.
US envoy Marco Rubio urged NATO allies to prepare for fewer American troops in Europe, amid mixed signals on troop deployments and ongoing disputes over the Iran war. Allies are seeking to reassure the US ahead of the July NATO summit in Ankara.
NATO Sec Gen Mark Rutte downplayed fears over US troop withdrawals, stating they are 'rotational forces' and won't harm defense readiness. He noted US pivot to Asia is expected and tied to European defense spending increases.
President Trump announced a withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany and signaled potential cuts in Italy and Spain, citing a lack of support from NATO allies. Analysts suggest Beijing should remain passive as Washington navigates these internal and alliance-related tensions.
Trump announced Washington will significantly reduce its troop presence in Germany, cutting way more than 5,000 soldiers within 6-12 months, escalating a dispute with German Chancellor Merz who criticized the US-Israeli war in Iran. The move comes amid growing transatlantic friction over Iran's war, with Trump also threatening 25% tariffs on EU cars and trucks, particularly hitting Germany. European leaders expressed concern the withdrawal would send the wrong signal to Putin as Ukraine war enters its fifth year.
President Trump announced the US will significantly reduce its troop presence in Germany, cutting far beyond the initially planned 5,000 soldiers. The Pentagon's Friday announcement of a 5,000-troop withdrawal over 6-12 months drew bipartisan criticism in Washington, with Republicans and Democrats warning it would undermine deterrence and send the wrong signal to Putin. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized Europe must take more responsibility for its defense while noting the trans-Atlantic partnership benefits both sides.
Irish economist Philip Pilkington suggests the US may be reducing troop levels in Germany following Russian threats against identified Ukrainian drone production sites in Europe.
NATO member states are not discussing the possibility of reducing US troop presence in Germany, The Daily Telegraph reported citing sources in the alliance. On April 29, US President Donald Trump signaled his administration was considering a partial US troop pullout from Germany, following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's criticism of Washington's operation against Iran, saying the US 'clearly' has 'no strategy.' The North Atlantic Council has held no discussions on the matter, and neither Berlin nor Washington have sent formal signals about the possibility. US troops may be redeployed to Greenland, Romania, Poland, or the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump indicated he may reduce US troop levels not only in Germany but also in Italy and Spain, criticizing both countries for lacking support. Trump stated Italy "has not been of any help" and Spain "has been horrible, absolutely horrible" when asked about considering troop reductions in those countries.
Trump announced he is reviewing a potential reduction of US troops in Germany, just days after Chancellor Merz criticised American strategy in the Iran war, suggesting the US had been 'humiliated' by Iranian negotiators. The US maintains over 36,000 troops in Germany, its largest European deployment. The dispute arises amid tensions over NATO support for US Iran policy, following a leaked Pentagon email proposing punishments for allies including suspending Spain from NATO.
President Trump announced the US is studying a reduction of troops stationed in Germany, amid a growing dispute with Berlin over the Iran war. The US has over 36,000 active-duty personnel across 20 bases in Germany. Relations with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have deteriorated after he said the US was being "humiliated" by Iran, while nuclear negotiations appear stalled.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev criticized US President Donald Trump's pledge to reduce US troops in Germany, calling it a "black mark" for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump said his administration is reviewing a potential troop reduction.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, has described US President Donald Trump's pledge to reduce the US contingent in Germany as a 'black mark' for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump said his administration is reviewing a possible troop reduction and a decision will be made soon.
South Korea's defense ministry stated there are no discussions regarding a reduction of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), despite U.S. President Trump's comments on potential troop withdrawals from Germany.
Trump said the U.S. is considering reducing troops in Germany, with a decision coming soon. The announcement follows escalating tensions with NATO allies over their refusal to support U.S. military operations in Iran, with Trump publicly criticizing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and labeling the alliance as 'cowards' for their lack of naval assistance in the Strait of Hormuz conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States is considering reducing American troops in Germany after criticizing NATO allies for not supporting the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. In a Truth Social post, Trump said a decision would be made 'over the next short period of time.' Over 36,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Germany. Trump criticized NATO members for refusing his call for naval assistance to secure the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked with retaliatory strikes.
