The United States has announced the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 American troops from Germany, marking a significant shift in its military posture in Europe amid escalating political tensions between Washington and Berlin.

According to the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the drawdown, which will reduce US troop levels in Germany by about 14 percent. The reduction is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the decision follows “a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe” and reflects “theater requirements and conditions on the ground.”

The announcement comes after comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who reportedly said the United States was being “humiliated” by Iran’s leadership. US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Merz in response, saying he “doesn’t know what he’s talking about” and calling him “totally ineffective.”

Tensions further escalated after Trump threatened to reduce US troop levels in Germany and announced increased tariffs on European Union car and truck imports, a move expected to hit Germany particularly hard.

A senior Pentagon official told Reuters that recent German statements had been “inappropriate and unhelpful,” adding that the president was “rightly reacting to these counterproductive remarks.”

German officials, however, expressed surprise at the troop reduction decision, noting that recent talks with US counterparts at the Pentagon had been described as constructive. They also highlighted Germany’s continued support for US military operations, including granting overflight rights and access to military bases during operations involving Iran.

Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the decision was “foreseeable” but stressed that US forces remain important for European and transatlantic security. He emphasized that cooperation between Germany and the United States is vital “for peace and security in Europe, for Ukraine, and for joint deterrence,” while also calling for Europe to take on greater responsibility within NATO.

NATO officials echoed this sentiment, stating they are working with Washington to understand the rationale behind the reduction. NATO spokeswoman Alison Hart said the adjustment highlights “the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defence and take on a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security.”

The United States currently maintains more troops in Germany than in any other European country. As of December 2025, more than 36,000 active-duty personnel were stationed there, including forces at Ramstein Air Base, the largest US air force installation overseas and a key hub for military operations in the Middle East and Africa.

The drawdown comes at a sensitive moment for US-European relations, raising questions about the future of NATO burden-sharing and the long-term American military presence in Europe.