Trump reduces US troops in Germany: Why were they there and what can Europe do?
The US announced it would withdraw 5,000 soldiers from Germany, its largest European base, amid strained relations with Europe over the Iran war and tariffs. The US has stationed around 40,000 troops in Germany, a legacy of World War II and the Cold War.
The US announced it would withdraw 5,000 soldiers from Germany, its largest European base. The decision comes amid strained relations with Europe over the Iran war and tariffs. US President Donald Trump had threatened a drawdown earlier after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Washington of entering the war in West Asia without a clear strategy. The US has stationed tens of thousands of troops across its European bases, with around 40,000 in Germany. The US presence in Germany includes the Ramstein airbase and Landstuhl hospital, used to support US wars in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The troop presence is a legacy of World War II and the Cold War, and a key part of NATO's defenses.
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