Trump says US to withdraw 'significantly more than 5,000' troops from Germany

President Donald Trump has signaled a substantial increase in the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany, stating the reduction will be "significantly more than 5,000." This announcement, made to reporters on the sidelines, comes just days after the Pentagon initially confirmed a drawdown of around 5,000 soldiers. While the Pentagon cited operational requirements and regional assessments for the initial move, Trump offered no specific reason for the escalated reduction, fueling speculation.

The timing of Trump's statement, following a public disagreement with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has led to interpretations that the troop reduction could be a retaliatory measure. Merz had reportedly criticized Iran's role in conflict negotiations, a statement that may have irked the U.S. President. The implications of this significant troop shift for European security and the broader NATO alliance remain a critical point of discussion, particularly given Trump's consistent calls for European nations to assume greater defense responsibilities.

As of December 31, 2025, Germany hosted 36,436 active-duty U.S. service members. The planned withdrawal, expected to conclude within six to 12 months, represents a notable shift in the U.S. military footprint in Europe. From a Slovak perspective, this development underscores the evolving security landscape and the potential impact of U.S. foreign policy decisions on regional stability. The emphasis on European self-reliance in defense, a recurring theme from the Trump administration, continues to shape transatlantic relations.

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We are going to be reducing significantly more. We are reducing by much more than 5,000.