The United States is considering a possible reduction of its military presence in Germany, President Donald Trump said, adding that a decision could be made “soon.”
The announcement comes amid growing tension between Washington and Berlin, following sharp criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S. military campaign against Iran. Trump reacted angrily to Merz’s comments, accusing the German leader of misunderstanding the situation and suggesting that his position would allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.
“He doesn’t know what he is talking about,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, also criticizing Germany’s economic and political position.
According to U.S. military figures from mid-April, around 86,000 American troops are currently stationed in Europe, including approximately 39,000 in Germany. The number changes regularly due to military rotations, exercises and operational needs.
Despite the public dispute, Merz has tried to downplay any personal breakdown in relations with Trump. Speaking on Wednesday, the German chancellor said that, from his perspective, his relationship with the U.S. president remained “unchanged and good,” adding that communication between the two sides was continuing.
However, Merz has recently adopted a more critical tone toward Washington. He argued that the United States entered the conflict with Iran without a clear exit strategy, making it more difficult to bring the crisis to an end. He also warned that Iran was using negotiations, or the lack of them, to strengthen its position while the conflict continues.
The possible reduction of U.S. troops would be a significant political signal, but a major American withdrawal from Europe is still considered unlikely. U.S. bases across the continent remain central to Washington’s global military operations, especially in relation to the Middle East. Germany hosts several key facilities, including the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart and Ramstein Air Base, one of the most important hubs for American air operations.
The dispute comes as diplomatic contacts continue behind the scenes. Shortly before Trump’s remarks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. According to the State Department, the conversation focused on Iran and the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Merz is not the only European leader to face sharp criticism from Trump in recent weeks. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have also drawn public attacks from the U.S. president, while tensions have also emerged with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following Trump’s criticism of the pope.
For now, the future of the U.S. troop presence in Germany remains uncertain. But Trump’s comments show that disagreements over Iran are beginning to affect broader transatlantic relations, including security cooperation between Washington and one of its most important European allies.
