Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said his administration is reviewing whether to reduce the U.S. military presence in Germany, escalating tensions with Friedrich Merz over the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” the president wrote on social media.
The remarks follow criticism from Merz, who earlier said the United States was being humiliated by Iran and questioned Washington’s strategy in the conflict. President Trump has also expressed frustration with the NATO alliance, arguing that member countries have not provided sufficient support.
“NATO wasn’t there for us, and they won’t be there for us in the future!” the president previously wrote following a recent White House meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte amid ongoing tensions over the alliance’s role in the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Merz said Wednesday that his relationship with President Trump remains “as good as ever,” while reiterating concerns about the war’s direction and its broader economic consequences.
Germany hosts several key U.S. military installations, including Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, as well as headquarters for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.
President Trump has previously sought to reduce troop levels in Germany. In 2020, during his first term, he announced plans to withdraw about 9,500 troops, though the move was never implemented and was later halted under Joe Biden.
The latest dispute comes as tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies that has been largely disrupted during the conflict.
“We are suffering considerably in Germany and in Europe from the consequences of, for example, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” Merz said. “And in that regard, I urge that this conflict be resolved.”
