The Kabul Tribune (KT) — CNN has reported that Donald Trump has threatened additional troop reductions after the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany over the next year.
According to the report, the Pentagon said on Friday that
the withdrawal would take place within six to 12 months, following a review of
U.S. military posture in Europe. Despite the reduction, more than 30,000
American troops are expected to remain stationed in Germany.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the decision reflects
operational requirements and conditions on the ground.
Trump, however, indicated the move is only the beginning.
Speaking on Saturday, he said the United States would be “cutting a lot
further” beyond the initial reduction.
The development comes amid growing tensions between
Washington and its European allies over the U.S. war with Iran, which was
launched without notifying most members of NATO. Trump has criticized allies
for what he described as insufficient support and has also threatened troop
cuts in Italy and Spain.
Senior U.S. lawmakers, including Roger Wicker and Mike
Rogers, expressed concern over the decision. They urged the Pentagon to
maintain a strong military presence in Europe, suggesting that forces could be
repositioned to eastern regions to strengthen NATO’s frontline defenses.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius downplayed the
announcement, describing it as “foreseeable” and stressing the need for Europe
to assume greater responsibility for its own security.
Tensions escalated further after German Chancellor Friedrich
Merz criticized U.S. strategy in the conflict with Iran, saying Washington had
entered the war without a clear plan. Trump responded by dismissing the remarks
and stating that Merz “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
Germany hosts key U.S. military installations, including the
Ramstein Air Base, which serves as a major hub for American air operations in
Europe.
Data from the U.S. Defense Manpower Data Center shows that
as of December 2025, more than 36,000 active-duty U.S. personnel were
permanently stationed in Germany.
Despite offering logistical support, Germany has limited its
direct military involvement in the conflict. Berlin has also signaled readiness
to contribute to post-war stabilization efforts, including deploying naval
assets to support security in critical waterways, though these measures have
not met Trump’s expectations.
