The decision, ordered by the Secretary of Defense, must be implemented within one year.
Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has ordered the withdrawal of 5000 soldiers from Germany within a year, the Pentagon announced on Friday. This represents about 15% of the American personnel currently in the European country.
“We expect the withdrawal to be completed within the next six to twelve months,” said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell in a statement. There are more than 36,000 American soldiers stationed in Germany, according to an official count ordered to end by 2025.
This announcement comes after President Donald Trump considered earlier in the week a reduction of American forces stationed in Germany, an ally and NATO member, following remarks by Chancellor Friedrich Merz that sparked his anger.
Context: U.S. reducing military presence in Germany amid tensions
Fact Check: President Trump is considering reducing troops in other European countries as well, including Italy and Spain, in addition to Germany.
President Trump has been particularly critical of European allies for what he perceives as a lack of commitment to their own defense and excessive reliance on U.S. military protection. He has regularly raised the possibility of disengagement by the United States.
In addition to Germany, President Trump stated on Thursday that he is also considering a reduction of American forces in Italy and Spain, amidst the ongoing tensions with Iran. “Probably, I will likely do it. Why shouldn’t I?” he responded in the Oval Office when asked about this possibility. “Italy has not been of any help, and Spain has been awful, absolutely awful,” he added. As of the end of 2025, Italy had 12,662 active American soldiers, and Spain had 3814, according to an official tally. The European Union highlighted on Thursday that the presence of American troops in Europe “also serves the interests of the United States in their global endeavors.”
