Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, May 3: US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may significantly scale down its military presence in Germany, going well beyond the previously announced withdrawal of 5,000 troops.

Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Florida, Trump said the planned reduction would be “a lot further” than earlier estimates shared by the Pentagon.

The remarks come amid rising tensions between Washington and Berlin, particularly following comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding US military actions involving Iran. A senior US defence official described Merz’s statements as “inappropriate and unhelpful.”

Earlier this week, Merz had criticised the US approach, calling its engagement in Iran “planless” and suggesting that Washington was being “humiliated” by Iranian leadership. Trump responded sharply, dismissing the German leader’s remarks and asserting that he was unconcerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The US President also suggested that troop reductions could extend beyond Germany, with possible cuts in countries such as Spain and Italy. He criticised European allies for what he described as insufficient support during the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Meanwhile, Germany has signalled readiness for a potential drawdown. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Berlin is prepared for such a scenario.

As of the end of last year, more than 36,000 US active-duty troops were stationed across Germany, along with approximately 1,500 reservists and 11,500 civilian personnel, according to US Department of Defense data. Germany also hosts key US military commands, including European and Africa Command headquarters, while Ramstein Air Base serves as a critical hub for operations.