CNN reported that Trump told reporters in Florida on Friday, before boarding Air Force One, that the United States would “reduce troops significantly” and cut “much more” than 5,000. His comments came less than a day after the Pentagon said it would withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany over the next six to 12 months.
Trump had also signaled possible cuts earlier this week, after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the United States was being “humiliated” in talks over a ceasefire with Iran. Tensions between European leaders and the Trump administration have also intensified after the United States entered a war with Iran without giving most NATO allies advance notice, according to the report.
Germany’s government has appeared to take the decision in stride. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the U.S. troop reduction “expected” and said it underscored the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security.
More than about 36,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Germany. Ramstein Air Base is a key hub that hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and units that carry out airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation missions. Germany also hosts NATO-related facilities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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