Former President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from Germany, criticizing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over remarks about Iran.
The threat came after Merz stated that Iran had “humiliated” the United States, prompting a sharp response from Trump.
Trump lashed out at the German leader, accusing him of disrespecting the American military presence in Europe.
The comments signal escalating tensions between Trump and the German government, which hosts thousands of U.S. service members.
The threat to pull troops would mark a significant shift in NATO posture, potentially weakening the alliance’s eastern flank.
Germany has long been a key U.S. ally, hosting around 35,000 American troops at various bases.
Trump has previously criticized NATO allies for not meeting defense spending commitments, often using troop withdrawals as leverage.
Merz’s comments on Iran reflect a broader frustration among European leaders over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
The dispute adds to a growing list of disagreements between Trump and European allies, including trade and climate policy.
Analysts warn that removing troops could undermine deterrence against Russia and Iran, impacting regional security.
The Pentagon has not yet commented on Trump’s threat, but officials have expressed concern about sudden force changes.
As the political fallout continues, the future of U.S.-German military cooperation remains uncertain.
