U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to reduce U.S. troops amid a public disagreement with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who criticized the U.S. for being “humiliated” by Iran.
The Pentagon’s statement will still maintain about 33,000 U.S. troops in Germany, changing a buildup that started under President Joe Biden.
A European Commission spokesperson informed POLITICO that the U.S. military presence in Europe is crucial for NATO’s defense, forming the foundation for collective defense among 23 EU Member States who are NATO Allies. The spokesperson added that EU nations are fulfilling their NATO obligations by boosting military spending at an unprecedented rate.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal based on “conditions on the ground” after reviewing the U.S. troop buildup in Europe. Parnell noted that they expect the withdrawal within the next six to 12 months.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the “disastrous trend” in Europe-U.S. relations following the Pentagon’s announcement. Tusk expressed that the “greatest threat” to the transatlantic community is the “ongoing disintegration of our alliance” and emphasized the need to reverse this trend in an X post on Saturday.
Trump has also indicated plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Spain and Italy, criticizing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italian leader Giorgia Meloni. Madrid and Rome, similar to Berlin, have opposed the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.
During a meeting with reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump stated he would “probably” withdraw American troops from the two southern European nations, accusing Italy of being unhelpful and labeling Spain as “absolutely horrible.” Both countries have refused to allow U.S. military planes involved in the Iran conflict to use their bases.
Victor Jack contributed to the report.
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