Donald Trump has again threatened to reduce the United States’ military presence in Germany, reviving long-standing concerns among European allies about Washington’s commitment to regional security.
The warning came in a social media post on Wednesday after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the US approach to diplomacy with Iran, saying Washington risked being “humiliated” by Tehran amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict.
Trump has repeatedly questioned the role of NATO and criticised allies for what he sees as insufficient support, particularly during the current conflict. He has long floated the idea of scaling back US troop deployments in Germany, a key NATO member and Europe’s largest economy.
The latest remarks have reignited concerns across Europe, where officials have been bracing for a potential shift in US military strategy since Trump returned to office.
Analysts say any reduction in American forces could have significant implications for European security, including support for Ukraine and broader deterrence efforts in the region.
European allies have increasingly warned that they may need to assume greater responsibility for their own defence if US commitments weaken further.