Republicans ‘concerned’ after Trump threatens to withdraw more US troops from Germany
President Trump has threatened further troop withdrawals from Germany, following an announcement to remove 5,000 US soldiers. This decision has raised concerns among Republican leaders on congressional armed services committees, who expressed worry about the potential impact on US deterrence in Europe.
The story so far
- Apr 29
- Apr 30
- May 1
- May 2
- May 3
How outlets cover it
4 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
Trump suggested he could reduce US troops in Germany via a post on Truth Social.
As of December 2025, the US had around 68,064 active-duty military personnel in Europe.
German defence minister Boris Pistorius stated it was 'foreseeable' that the US would withdraw troops from Europe.
The US state department approved military sales totalling more than $8.6bn to Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump threatened to cut troop levels in Germany 'a lot further' than the initial 5,000 reduction.
The United States had more than 35,000 troops in Germany in 2024, although the number is now believed to be higher with German media saying it’s nearer 50,000.
Merz claimed the personal relationship between himself and the American president remains as good as before.
Germany's total defence expenditure next year is set to reach 3.1% of GDP.
Who and where
Related stories over time
same people and places- Dec 5, 2025 earlierGerman MPs rubberstamp military service plan amid school pupil protests3 articles · 3 outlets
- Dec 8, 2025 earlierUkraine war live: Zelenskyy to meet Starmer, Macron and Merz in London over peace push3 articles · 3 outlets
- Feb 20 – Feb 26 earlierGermany’s Merz leaves China with stronger ties as Trump trade battle looms12 articles · 3 outlets
- Mar 1 – Mar 6 earlierThe European leader defying Trump and his attacks on Iran16 articles · 6 outlets
- Apr 29 – May 3◆ This story
- Apr 30 – May 6 at the same time‘A stress test’: US-Germany rift widens as Iran war drags on12 articles · 4 outlets
- Sep 4 – Sep 10 laterFar-right AfD party won big in Saxony-Anhalt. Will it affect Germany’s approach to China?21 articles · 6 outlets
- Sep 16 – Sep 24 laterElif Eralp: ‘Germany’s Zohran Mamdani’ who vows to be a mayor for all Berliners15 articles · 4 outlets