US President Donald Trump has threatened to reduce the number of American troops stationed in Germany, escalating a dispute with Nato allies. The announcement comes after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that the Trump administration was being outmaneuvered in negotiations with Iran.
Trump's Announcement and Context
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that 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.” This threat follows remarks by Merz on Monday, where he claimed that the Trump team was being outplayed by Iran in talks to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skilful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result,” Merz said. He reiterated his criticisms on Wednesday, stating that Europe is “suffering” from the consequences of the strait's closure.
Trump cancelled a second trip by US negotiators to Islamabad last week, leading to an impasse in discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, Trump accused Merz of thinking it’s “OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon” and said the chancellor “doesn’t know what he’s talking about!”
Merz's Response and Broader Tensions
Merz brushed off Trump’s comments on Wednesday, saying his relationship with Trump remains “as good as ever.” However, the threat to withdraw US troops is likely to cause concern in Berlin and across Europe, coming amid heightened tensions between the US and its traditional allies. Trump has recently stepped up threats to withdraw from the Nato alliance, accusing members of failing to contribute to the US-Israeli war on Iran and secure the Strait of Hormuz.
On 1 April, Trump said he was “absolutely without question” considering withdrawing from Nato. Such a move would be catastrophic for European security, but is seen as unlikely due to US legislation passed in 2024 that prevents a president from withdrawing without a two-thirds Senate majority or an act of Congress. Experts suggest the White House could instead take actions that undermine the alliance without full withdrawal, such as reducing US troop presence in Europe.
US Troop Presence in Europe
The US has over 68,000 active-duty military personnel in Europe, according to the US Defense Manpower Data Center. Germany hosts the largest contingent, with more than 35,000 troops in 2024, per the Congressional Research Service, though German media estimates the number at about 50,000. Trump has long criticised Nato allies for inadequate defence spending, accusing them of “ripping off” the US.
Recent actions, including threats to invade Greenland and calling allies “cowards” for not helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz, have led experts to describe this as “the worst crisis Nato has ever confronted.” Ivo Daalder, US permanent representative to Nato from 2009 to 2013, said 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.”
Diplomatic Efforts
Hours before Trump’s post, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul about Iran and the importance of securing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. On Wednesday, Trump also said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested “a little bit of a ceasefire” in Ukraine.
