Trump begins withdrawing US troops from Germany, Bild reports
Illustrative photo: US military personnel (Getty Images)
The United States has begun the process of withdrawing about 5,000 of its troops from a training range in Germany, according to Bild.
It concerns the withdrawal of a Stryker brigade based in Vilseck (Bavaria, Germany). According to a Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell, the relocation of US troops and their families is expected to be completed within 6–12 months.
A full closure of the base is not planned: after the reduction, between 5,000 and 8,000 servicemembers will continue to be stationed there.
Overall, around 40,000 US troops are currently stationed in Germany. Of them, approximately 16,000 are based at the Grafenwöhr training area, and another 10,000 are in Vilseck. Including civilian staff and families, more than 30,000 Americans live in the region.
Implications for the region and security
Vilseck Mayor Thorsten Grädler said the move would be a serious blow to the 6,500-person town. The US presence is a key part of the local economy, and the area is considered one of the less developed parts of Bavaria.
At the same time, US sources cited by the outlet note that the decision weakens NATO’s eastern flank in Europe, as the withdrawal also includes tank commanders, pilots, and weapons specialists.
Bild also reports that the reduction in the US military presence may be linked to President Donald Trump’s dissatisfaction with statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The latter previously said that Iran is capable of humiliating the US in negotiations over ending the conflict.
Withdrawal of US troops from Germany
Republicans urged Trump not to withdraw troops from Germany, but to at least redeploy them to the Middle East instead. They believe that the US risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to the Russian leader.
It is also noted that some Pentagon officials were shocked by Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Germany. Until the very last moment, such a withdrawal from this region was not planned at all.
At the same time, the department previously confirmed Trump’s plan. In a private conversation with the New York Times, one senior official explained that the decision is a "punishment of Germany" for statements regarding the war in Iran.
