US President Donald Trump announced that the possibility of reducing the number of American troops stationed in Germany is being considered.
The editorial office, citing Reuters and AP, reports that Trump stated on his Truth Social account that the US is investigating a possible reduction of troops in Germany and that a decision will be made soon.
The announcement coincides with a period of increasing tension between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Washington regarding the Iran conflict and the role of NATO allies. Merz had previously stated that the US lacked a clear strategy in the conflict with Iran and that Washington was in a difficult position in negotiations with Tehran.
According to AP, Trump's statement came after Merz's criticisms regarding the handling of the Iran conflict. The US president accuses Germany and other NATO allies of not providing sufficient support to Washington around the Strait of Hormuz.
Germany is one of the most important military strongholds for the US in Europe. According to Reuters, as of December 2025, more than 36,000 American troops were stationed in Germany.
This military presence is strategically important not only for Germany's defense but also for US operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Ramstein Air Base in Germany is considered one of the most important logistics and command centers for the US in Europe.
Trump had previously raised the idea of reducing US troops in Germany. During his first presidency, Washington sought to withdraw a portion of the troops, citing Germany's insufficient contribution to NATO defense spending.
The current dispute, however, is not solely about defense spending. The Iran conflict, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, energy security, and European countries' reluctance to support US operations have created new tensions in the Washington-Berlin relationship.
If a decision to reduce troops is made, it will be perceived as a serious political signal within NATO. Such a step could raise security concerns for Germany and intensify questions about US commitment to Europe among Eastern European countries.
At the same time, the practical value of such a decision for the US is debatable. Bases in Germany provide Washington with rapid military logistics capabilities between Europe and the Middle East. Reducing this infrastructure could also weaken the US's operational flexibility.
Trump's statement is currently not considered a final decision but rather a signal of political pressure. However, it indicates that the US has begun to more openly apply the policy towards its NATO allies that “if there is no support, security guarantees also diminish.”