Trump Expresses Disappointment in Germany, Says He May Cut U.S. Troops There

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\r\n[The Financial News] U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering reducing the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany, raising concerns that alliance tensions over the Iran War could spill over into military deployment issues. If the cuts become reality, they could affect European security and trigger ripple effects as far as USFK.
On the 29th local time, Trump said on Truth Social, "I am reviewing the possibility of reducing U.S. troops in Germany, and I will make a decision soon." He did not specify the scale or timing of any cuts. Some observers say the remarks could be a pressure tactic, but the fact that he promised a decision soon makes it difficult to rule out actual action.
About 36,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Germany. Across Europe, roughly 84,000 U.S. troops are deployed on a rotational basis. If troop cuts in Germany are carried out, they would likely be interpreted as retaliation for Germany's reluctance to respond to U.S. requests during the Iran War.
In particular, recent remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said that "the Iran War will not end easily," are seen as having possibly provoked Trump. Trump has repeatedly voiced frustration with European countries, saying, "The Iran War is our fight, but our allies are not helping."
Earlier, WSJ reported that the Trump administration was considering redeploying U.S. troops stationed in NATO member states that did not cooperate in the Iran War to countries that were more supportive.
If the cuts are implemented, Europe’s security landscape could change significantly. Whether the troops are moved to other NATO countries or brought back to the U.S. mainland, the shift would likely affect Europe’s military posture in support of Ukraine, which is at war with Russia.
Asia is no exception. If Trump uses the presence of stationed troops as a way to express dissatisfaction with allies over the Iran War, USFK could also become subject to adjustment. The United States has recently emphasized modernization of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, stressing roles and redeployment over troop numbers. Trump has also publicly complained that South Korea receives U.S. support for North Korea defense but did not cooperate in the Iran War.
\r\nThis move could also expand into trade and security more broadly. There are concerns that the Trump administration may intensify pressure by demanding more from allies or imposing disadvantages based on whether they cooperate in the Iran War.
During his first administration, Trump also announced a plan to cut about 12,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany, but the Biden administration later halted it.
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km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter