Trump says U.S. may cut the number of American troops in Germany
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- President Trump announced he is considering reducing the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany amid tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and disagreements over the U.S. approach to Iran.
- The U.S. currently maintains a significant military presence in Germany, with over 36,000 active-duty troops, and Germany hosts key U.S. military commands and the Ramstein Air Base.
- Trump has criticized NATO and European allies for their stance on the Iran conflict, threatening to leave the alliance, which legally requires Congressional approval to exit.
- The dispute with Chancellor Merz escalated after Merz criticized the U.S. strategy on Iran, prompting Trump to accuse him of supporting Iran's nuclear ambitions and criticize Germany's economic performance.
- Trump's skepticism of NATO and calls for troop reductions in Germany date back to 2020, though previous plans to withdraw forces were reversed by the Biden administration.
