Trump has sharply criticized European allies for what he
sees as inadequate support for Washington in the war against Iran. He has also
singled out German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Trump has pressed NATO partners to carry more of the
military and financial burden, with Washington placing particular expectations
on Germany, one of Europe’s most powerful economies. After failing to secure
the support it wanted, the White House has begun acting on that frustration,
media reports said.
Germany has been central to the U.S. military presence in
Europe for decades. The American military footprint there was established after
World War II and became especially important during the Cold War.
More than 36,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in
Germany, along with about 1,500 reservists and nearly 11,500 civilian
employees. Only Japan hosts a larger U.S. contingent.
Ramstein Air Base remains central to U.S. military
operations and is a major logistics hub for U.S. missions worldwide. Germany
also hosts the headquarters of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.
Some troops could be sent back to the United States, while
others may be redeployed to the Indo-Pacific, which the Pentagon now sees as
one of its top strategic priorities, sources said.
U.S. officials said the move is part of a shift toward
priority regions at home and in the Pacific.
Critical facilities are expected to keep operating as usual.
They include Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest U.S. military
hospital outside the United States. The hospital remains vital for treating and
evacuating wounded personnel, including after attacks linked to the war with
Iran.
Trump said on April 30 that his administration was
considering reducing the U.S. military presence in Germany.