Germany Braces for US Troop Pullout as Nato Demands Answers

Germany’s defence minister has characterized the Pentagon’s decision to pull 5,000 troops from German soil as “foreseeable,” even as Nato officials scramble to extract clarity from Washington about the move.

Boris Pistorius told DPA that American military presence in Europe remains strategically valuable for both sides, a measured response to what amounts to the largest US military redeployment on the continent in recent memory. With more than 36,000 active-duty American troops currently stationed in Germany - roughly three times the number in Italy and four times those in the UK - the withdrawal represents a significant recalibration of US military posture.

The announcement followed a public spat between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. After Merz criticized American negotiating tactics with Iran, suggesting the US had been “humiliated,” Trump fired back via Truth Social, accusing the chancellor of defending Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Days later came news of the troop cuts.

Trump has suggested the 5,000-soldier figure represents merely a starting point. “We’re going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” he declared, without elaborating. The White House is reportedly eyeing additional reductions in Italy and Spain.

The timing has triggered alarm among Nato members. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that internal dissolution poses a greater threat than external adversaries, while Republican lawmakers including Senator Roger Wicker expressed concern about weakening European deterrence.

Pistorius countered by emphasizing Germany’s own defense spending surge. Berlin now projects €105.8 billion in defence expenditure by 2027, reaching 3.1 percent of GDP when accounting for all security investments including Ukraine aid. This reversed years of Trump criticism labeling Germany “delinquent” for falling short of Nato’s 2 percent spending target.

Nato spokeswoman Allison Hart indicated the alliance was “working with the US to understand the details” while emphasizing that Europe must shoulder greater responsibility. The Pentagon confirmed the withdrawal should conclude within six to twelve months, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issuing the order.