US to Significantly Reduce Military Presence in Germany, Trump Announces Larger Troop Cuts
President Trump confirms troop reductions in Germany will exceed initial plans, signaling potential shifts in US military deployments across Europe.
The United States plans to reduce its military presence in Germany by a margin significantly greater than previously announced, according to President Donald Trump. This development marks a notable escalation in the ongoing reassessment of American troop deployments in Europe.
Expanded Troop Reductions and Strategic Implications
Earlier directives from the US Department of Defense called for the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany, representing about one-seventh of the total US military footprint in the country. However, speaking to reporters in Florida on the night of May 3, Trump indicated that the scale of reductions would be much larger.
"We are going to reduce by a lot more than 5,000 American soldiers," Trump said, emphasizing a substantial drawdown beyond initial plans.
Alongside Germany, Trump also threatened to pull US forces from Spain and Italy, citing dissatisfaction with their support for the US and Israeli efforts against Iran. "Italy didn’t help us at all, and Spain was terrible, absolutely terrible," Trump remarked, reflecting strained relations with longstanding NATO allies amid shifting geopolitical priorities.
Following these announcements, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated on social media platform X that the alliance is working closely with the United States to understand the details of the troop reductions in Germany. "We remain confident in our ability to provide deterrence and defense as this transition toward a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO continues," she affirmed.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier ordered the withdrawal of roughly 5,000 troops from Germany over the course of a year. Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell noted the decision came after a thorough review of US military presence in Europe and anticipates completion within six to twelve months.
As of December 2025, about 68,000 US troops were deployed across European bases, with over half — approximately 36,400 — stationed in Germany. The US maintains some 20 military installations in Germany, primarily in the southern and southwestern regions. This figure contrasts sharply with Cold War-era deployments, when as many as 250,000 American soldiers were based in the country.
The announcement by President Trump follows recent public disputes with Germany’s Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who criticized the US for lacking a coherent strategy against Iran. Trump responded by accusing Merz of supporting Iran's nuclear program, highlighting tensions within the transatlantic alliance.
This is not the first time Trump has threatened to reduce US troop numbers in Germany; however, prior to this, troop levels had actually increased. Internal discussions on partial troop withdrawals from Europe have continued, although Congressional constraints limit the executive branch's authority to unilaterally execute such actions.
