Trump Considers US Troop Reduction in Germany | DW News & White House

President Donald Trump is considering reducing the number of U.S. Troops stationed in Germany, according to reports on Wednesday, April 30, 2026. This potential move comes amid escalating tensions with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S.-led war against Iran.

Trump announced his consideration of troop reductions in a social media post, stating, “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.” This announcement followed comments made by Chancellor Merz earlier in the week, criticizing the U.S. Strategy in the war against Iran and suggesting the U.S. Was being “humiliated” by Iranian leadership.

The potential troop reduction is not a new consideration for Trump. During his first term in office, he also sought to decrease the U.S. Military presence in Germany, citing concerns over defense spending. In June 2020, Trump announced plans to withdraw approximately 9,500 troops from the country, a move that ultimately did not materialize. Upon taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden halted the planned withdrawal.

Currently, the U.S. Maintains several major military facilities in Germany, including the headquarters for U.S. European Command and U.S. Army Europe. The exact number of troops currently stationed in Germany was not specified in the reports.

The latest threat to reduce troop levels comes as Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for not providing sufficient assistance in the two-month-old war against Iran. He has expressed frustration with the alliance’s reluctance to fully support U.S. Efforts in the conflict.

Despite the tensions, Chancellor Merz stated on Wednesday that his personal relationship with Trump remained “as good as ever,” while also acknowledging his “doubts from the very beginning about what was started there with the war in Iran.”

This development follows a report from January 24, 2025, indicating Trump’s intention to cut the U.S. Force in Europe by 20,000 troops and demand financial contributions from allies to cover the costs of the remaining American military presence on the continent.