US to cut troop levels in Germany by 5,000 amid Trump spat with Merz
The US Department of Defence plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months, citing a review of military posture in Europe. The move follows escalating tensions between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who criticized US strategy in Iran. Trump has also suggested potential troop reductions in Italy and Spain, accusing NATO allies of failing to support US efforts.
- ▪The US plans to reduce its troop presence in Germany by 5,000, down from over 36,000 as of last December.
- ▪Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated the withdrawal follows a review of US force posture in Europe.
- ▪Trump criticized Merz for comments suggesting the US was humiliated by Iranian negotiators.
- ▪Merz claimed the US lacks a strategic exit from the Iran conflict and questioned American negotiating effectiveness.
- ▪Germany is projected to spend 3.1% of GDP on defence by 2027, exceeding NATO's 2% target.
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US to cut troop levels in Germany by 5,000 amid Trump spat with MerzJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMax MatzaGetty ImagesThe US Department of Defence plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, amid a spat between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war with Iran. The decision comes a day after Trump criticised Merz, who suggested the US had been "humiliated" by Iranian negotiators. In social media posts on Thursday, Trump said Merz was "doing a terrible job" and had "problems of all kinds", including on immigration and energy.
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