WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of around 5,000 American troops from Germany within the next year, the Pentagon said on Friday, marking the latest strain in transatlantic relations amid tensions linked to the Middle East war.
The decision comes as US President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union will rise to 25 percent next week. He accused the bloc of failing to comply with a trade agreement signed last summer.
Trump also renewed criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who earlier said Iran was “humiliating” Washington during negotiations. Trump responded by saying Merz “thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon” and added that he “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
On Wednesday, Trump said Washington was “studying and reviewing the possible reduction” of US troop levels in Germany and that a decision would be made in a “short period of time.” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell later confirmed in a Friday statement that the withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.
Parnell added that the move followed a detailed review of the Department’s force posture in Europe, taking into account operational requirements and conditions on the ground.
During both of his terms in office, Trump has repeatedly threatened to reduce US troop deployments in Germany and other European allies, arguing that Europe should take greater responsibility for its own defence rather than relying heavily on Washington.
Trump also accused German automakers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW of exploiting American consumers, claiming that Germany and other European countries have not adhered to the trade deal.
Germany could be significantly affected by higher vehicle tariffs, as it accounts for a large share of European Union automobile exports.
Asked about potential further troop reductions, Trump said on Thursday he was also considering pulling US forces from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the war, stating from the Oval Office that “Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible.”
He added: “Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn’t I?”
As of December 31, 2025, there were 12,662 active-duty US troops in Italy and 3,814 in Spain. In Germany, the number stood at 36,436.
During a visit to Morocco, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday that Germany was “prepared” for a possible reduction in US forces and was discussing the matter “closely and in a spirit of trust in all NATO bodies.”
While expressing calm over the potential changes, Wadephul stressed that major US bases in Germany remain essential, adding that facilities such as Ramstein Air Base have “an irreplaceable function for the United States and for us alike.”
On broader security issues, the European Union said on Thursday that the US military presence in Europe also serves Washington’s own interests, calling the United States “a vital partner in contributing to Europe’s security and defence.”
Trump also criticised Chancellor Merz again, urging him to focus on ending the Ukraine war instead of “interfering” in issues related to Iran.
European nations have remained on high alert since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with recent drone incursions and shifting US defence priorities placing security at the centre of EU concerns.
Merz has prioritised national defence, announcing major investments in Germany’s armed forces, which have long suffered from underfunding and outdated equipment. He has also reaffirmed Berlin’s strong support for Ukraine, with Germany remaining the second-largest individual donor after the United States.