Trump Weighs Cutting 35,000 US Troops in Germany Over Iran Spat

President Donald Trump threatened to reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany on Wednesday, a direct response to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s sharp criticism of the White House’s strategy in the ongoing conflict with Iran that has roiled global energy markets.

"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," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

The threat comes after Merz on Monday stated the U.S. appeared to have no "truly convincing strategy" for dealing with Iran, which has led to the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. currently has between 30,000 and 35,000 troops in Germany, which serves as a key logistics hub for NATO and hosts the headquarters for U.S. European and Africa Commands.

A significant withdrawal of American forces could weaken NATO’s eastern flank, increase geopolitical instability in Europe, and create further volatility in markets already stressed by the Iran conflict. The move revives a threat from 2020, when Trump ordered the removal of 12,000 troops before the decision was reversed, signaling that long-standing security arrangements are on the table amid rising political friction.

Trans-Atlantic Tensions Flare

The public dispute between the two NATO allies marks a significant escalation in tensions over the handling of the Iran war. Chancellor Merz, speaking at an event in western Germany, accused the U.S. of being "humiliated" by Iran's leadership and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Trump responded sharply on Tuesday, saying Merz "doesn’t know what he’s talking about!" and blaming the chancellor for Germany’s economic performance.

The friction comes as the U.S. war against Iran enters its third month, with no diplomatic resolution in sight. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world's oil flowed, has contributed to rising energy costs and economic anxiety across Europe.

Germany's Role as a Military Hub

The U.S. has maintained a large military presence in Germany since the end of World War II. The country is home to major installations like Ramstein Air Base, the largest U.S. air base outside the United States, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest American military hospital abroad, which has been treating U.S. casualties from the Iran conflict.

These bases are central to U.S. and NATO operations, serving as command centers and logistical hubs for deployments in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. A troop reduction would not only impact military readiness but also have significant economic consequences for the German communities that host the bases. During his first term, Trump repeatedly argued that Germany was not paying enough for its own defense, a sentiment that appears to be resurfacing.

Any move to draw down forces would likely face opposition within the U.S. Congress, which previously blocked a similar attempt in 2020. European allies, particularly those in Eastern Europe, have consistently urged Washington to maintain or increase its military presence on the continent to deter potential aggression.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.