After Tension with Merz.. Trump Punishes Germany by "Withdrawing Troops"

SadaNews - President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that his administration is considering the possibility of reducing U.S. troops in Germany, adding that a decision will be made soon.

Trump wrote on the "Truth Social" platform: "The United States is examining and reviewing the possibility of reducing its troops in Germany, and a decision will be made in the near future."

Trump's post came following his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday regarding the war in Iran.

Merz had stated that the Iranians "are humiliating the United States" in the negotiations aimed at ending the war.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized many NATO members for not participating in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, including reprimanding some for not sending naval forces to help open the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump wrote on "Truth Social" that Merz "doesn't know what he's talking about," adding that "it's no surprise that Germany is suffering badly both economically and otherwise."

Merz said on Wednesday that his relationship with Trump "is still, at least from my perspective, as good as it has always been," adding: "We continue to have constructive conversations with each other."

In 2024, the United States had deployed more than 35,000 troops in Germany, according to the Congressional Research Service, but the number is believed to be higher, with German media estimating it to be closer to 50,000.

For decades, dozens of major U.S. military bases remained in Europe.

In Germany, these bases include the U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart and Ramstein Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, which is a major hub for U.S. air forces.

It is estimated that last year there were about 80,000 U.S. troops stationed in Europe.