US President Donald Trump has announced a possible reduction of American troops stationed in Germany, escalating tensions with a key Nato ally. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his administration is 'studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time'.
The threat follows comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who suggested the Trump administration was being outplayed in negotiations with Iran over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Merz said Europe was 'suffering' from the consequences, and accused Iran of skilfully avoiding a deal. Trump responded by accusing Merz of thinking it is 'OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon' and saying the chancellor 'doesn't know what he's talking about'.
Merz brushed off the criticism, stating his relationship with Trump remains 'as good as ever'. However, the troop reduction threat adds to growing unease in Europe, coming after Trump said on 1 April he was 'absolutely without question' considering withdrawing from Nato due to allies' failure to join the US-Israeli war on Iran and help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The US has over 68,000 active-duty military personnel in Europe, with Germany hosting the largest contingent—more than 35,000 troops in 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service, though German media estimates around 50,000. A full Nato withdrawal is seen as unlikely due to US legislation requiring a two-thirds Senate majority, but experts warn Trump could undermine the alliance by reducing troop numbers in Europe.
Ivo Daalder, former US permanent representative to Nato, described the current situation as 'the worst crisis Nato has ever confronted', adding it is 'hard to see how any European country will now be able and willing to trust the United States to come to its defence'. Earlier on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul about Iran and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
