The government of Germany has reacted to the United States’ decision to reduce its military presence in the country, saying the move was not unexpected.
Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated on Saturday that discussions around a possible drawdown of American troops had been ongoing for some time, and Berlin had already taken such scenarios into account in its security planning.
The United States recently confirmed plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops stationed in Germany over the next year. The decision marks a shift in its military deployment strategy in Europe.
Pistorius said the long-standing presence of US forces in Germany and across Europe has supported both sides, but added that European nations must increasingly strengthen their own defence capabilities. He noted that Germany is moving in that direction already.
The development comes amid growing political tensions between Washington and Berlin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously commented on US foreign policy in relation to Iran, remarks that drew a sharp response from US President Donald Trump.
Trump rejected the comments, saying the German leader was mistaken about the situation involving Iran.
Shortly after the exchange, the US government announced the troop reduction, which has now been acknowledged by German officials as part of broader shifts in transatlantic security priorities.
