US to Cut Troop Presence in Germany by 5,000 Within a Year, Pentagon Confirms
Defense Secretary orders reduction amidst strategic reassessment of US military footprint in Europe.
The Pentagon has confirmed that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 American troops from Germany over the next twelve months. Currently, over 35,000 US soldiers are stationed in Germany, the largest US military contingent in any European Union country.
This move follows statements by former President Donald Trump, who indicated on his social media platform Truth Social that the US was considering reducing its troop presence in Germany, with a decision anticipated soon.
Strategic Review and European Force Posture
Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, stated that the troop withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months. He emphasized that the decision comes after a thorough review of the Department of Defense’s force posture in Europe, taking into account operational demands and local conditions.
“This decision reflects a comprehensive assessment of requirements in the operational theater and conditions on the ground,” Parnell said.
As of December 2025, US military bases across Europe housed approximately 68,000 personnel, with roughly 36,400 stationed in Germany alone. This represents a significant decrease compared to the Cold War peak in 1985 when about 250,000 US troops were deployed in Germany prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The planned reduction aligns with ongoing strategic adjustments in US military deployment in Europe, balancing deterrence capabilities with evolving geopolitical considerations.
German Government's Response and Transatlantic Relations
The German government has responded calmly to the announced troop reduction. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during a visit to the Munster military training area in Lower Saxony on April 30, underscored the importance of the US military presence in Germany. He highlighted the strategic value of close cooperation between US and German forces, describing it as a partnership based on "deep transatlantic unity" and mutual benefit.
This announcement arrived amid heightened tensions between the two leaders. In recent exchanges, Merz criticized the US for lacking a clear strategy regarding the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Trump countered by accusing the German Chancellor of supporting Iran’s nuclear program, illustrating strains in transatlantic dialogue.
Despite these tensions, the possibility of a partial US troop withdrawal from Germany is not unprecedented. Trump had previously threatened troop reductions during his first term, although the number of US forces in Germany ultimately increased during that period. In early April 2026, a senior US official revealed that troop reductions in Europe had been discussed internally, though Congressional restrictions have limited the executive branch’s authority to execute such reductions unilaterally.
The forthcoming troop drawdown reflects ongoing recalibrations in US defense policy amid shifting international security dynamics. Observers will be watching closely how these changes impact NATO cohesion and the broader strategic posture of the US military in Europe.
