US President Donald Trump has confirmed the withdrawal of US soldiers from Germany. It should be even clearer than originally announced.
May 3, 2026, 5:26 amMay 3, 2026, 5:26 am
“We will reduce (the number of troops) significantly, by far more than 5,000,” he said at the airport in Palm Beach, Florida, in response to a reporter’s question. On Friday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 US soldiers from Germany. It should be completed in the next six to twelve months.
Donald Trump has US troops withdrawn from Germany.Image: keystone
There are currently around 39,000 soldiers stationed in Germany. The US Department of Defense made it clear that the withdrawal decision followed a review of the US troop presence in Europe. It takes into account the requirements of the areas of operation and the local conditions.
Trump recently announced that he would consider such a step. He previously criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) after he made critical comments about the US war against Iran.
There have been dozens of large US military bases in Europe for decades. They are of great importance in American missions in the Middle East, for example. In Germany, these include the US High Command for Europe in Stuttgart and, as a US Air Force hub, Ramstein Airfield in Rhineland-Palatinate.
According to information from the US military in mid-April, 86,000 soldiers are currently stationed in Europe – 39,000 of them in Germany. The number changes regularly, also due to rotations and exercises. The number of 5,000 soldiers is therefore not considered particularly serious. (sda/dpa)