📰 Trump Threatens to Pull Troops From Germany Amid NATO Strains Over Iran Dispute
On April 30, 2026, US President Donald Trump explicitly threatened to reduce the number of American troops stationed in Germany after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticized his Iran policy. This marks the latest escalation in transatlantic tensions driven by the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
Merz Criticizes Iran Policy, Trump Strikes Back
Chancellor Merz told a press conference in Berlin that the US blockade strategy against Iran “lacks a clear diplomatic objective” and called for the restoration of negotiations through multilateral channels. Merz emphasized that European nations should not be drawn into “a military confrontation with no exit strategy.”
Trump responded on social media, stating that if Germany was unwilling to support American allied operations, then “there is no reason for the United States to continue bearing the enormous cost of protecting Germany.” He hinted that the size of the US military presence in Germany could face “significant adjustments.”
US Troops in Germany: Cornerstone of NATO Defense
Currently, approximately 35,000 US military personnel are stationed in Germany, distributed across key facilities including Ramstein Air Base and US European Command in Stuttgart. These bases are not only the core hub of NATO’s European defense but also serve as logistical support centers for American military operations in the Middle East and Africa.
According to an exclusive Reuters report, a White House official revealed that Trump is seriously considering the possibility of “withdrawing some military assets from Europe”—the harshest threat to NATO allies since his first term.
Allied Reactions
French President Emmanuel Macron called for “transatlantic unity,” stating that coordination among NATO allies is more critical than ever in the current geopolitical environment. The UK Foreign Secretary said Britain would continue to support the US position on Iran while emphasizing the necessity of diplomatic solutions.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a statement from Brussels saying that “NATO’s collective defense strength depends on the unity of all member states,” and called on all parties to resolve differences through dialogue.
Implications for Global Security
Analysts note that if the US actually reduces its military presence in Germany, it would have profound implications for European security architecture. The German Bundeswehr currently lacks the capability to independently应对 security threats, and a reduction in US military assets could force Europe to accelerate its defense autonomy process.
Meanwhile, Russia and Iran may interpret the US withdrawal threat as a signal of cracks within the Western alliance, potentially adjusting their own diplomatic and military strategies accordingly.
Market Reaction
Following the news, European defense stocks saw volatility. Shares of Rheinmetall and Thales rose, reflecting market expectations of accelerated European rearmament. The euro fell slightly against the US dollar.