Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks about Iran humiliating the White House. Merz, previously in good standing with Trump, criticized the US for lacking a convincing strategy in negotiations with Iran during a university visit.

In response, Trump criticized Merz as “totally ineffective” and urged him to address issues in Germany, particularly concerning immigration and energy policies. The Pentagon confirmed the troop withdrawal, stating it was based on a thorough assessment of force posture in Europe and current conditions on the ground, with the process expected to conclude within the next six to twelve months.

Trump hinted at the possibility of withdrawing troops from Italy and Spain as well, citing their lack of support in response to the situation in Iran. The move would reduce the number of active-duty US military personnel in Germany, which currently stands at around 35,000, bringing troop levels back to pre-2022 figures.

Concerns have been raised by analysts about the impact of the withdrawal on NATO forces in Central and Eastern Europe, regions vulnerable to potential Russian aggression. Bradley Bowman from the Foundation for Defence of Democracies emphasized the importance of US military presence in Europe for deterrence against Kremlin aggression and projecting American power in other regions.

Trump avoided questions about the withdrawal as he boarded Air Force One in Florida.