German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to NATO and a close transatlantic partnership with the United States after President Trump said Washington was reviewing a possible reduction of troops stationed in Germany. Speaking at a military base, Merz emphasized allied coordination and said Berlin could join an international effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once conditions and mandates are clear. He did not respond directly to Trump’s comments and stressed that Germany remains in trusting contact with the U.S. over the Iran situation.
Merz Reaffirms Commitment to NATO and U.S. Partnership As Washington Weighs Troop Cuts
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz looks on, on the day of army training at a military base of the German Army, Bundeswehr, in Munster, Germany, April 30, 2026. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer
MUNSTER, Germany — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday reiterated Berlin’s strong commitment to the transatlantic partnership with the United States, speaking just hours after President Donald Trump said his administration was considering a reduction in U.S. troop levels in Germany.
Addressing reporters at a military base, Merz stressed that Germany’s strategic direction remains anchored in a robust NATO alliance and a dependable partnership with Washington. He emphasized the personal and national importance of the transatlantic relationship.
As you know, this transatlantic partnership is particularly close to our hearts — and to mine personally.
Context And Recent Exchanges
The remarks came amid a public spat between Merz and Trump over the conflict in Iran. Earlier this week, Merz said Iranian negotiators were humiliating the United States in efforts to end the two‑month conflict; Trump replied that Merz “didn’t know what he was talking about.” On Wednesday, Trump posted on Truth Social that “the United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time.”
Merz did not directly address Trump’s post and declined to take questions after his statement. He reiterated that Berlin remains in "trusting contact" with partners, notably the United States, over developments in Iran.
Military Cooperation And Regional Security
Merz also said Germany would be open to participating in an international military mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once necessary conditions and mandates were met; the strait has been largely blocked since the outbreak of the Iran conflict. He framed Germany’s potential contribution as conditional on clear rules of engagement and allied coordination.
U.S. Troop Presence In Europe
According to the U.S. Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC), there were just over 68,000 active‑duty U.S. military personnel permanently assigned to overseas bases in Europe as of December 2025, with roughly 36,400 stationed in Germany. By comparison, about 250,000 U.S. troops were based in Germany in 1985 during the Cold War era.
Merz’s comments underline Berlin’s desire to preserve alliance cohesion even as discussions over force posture and burden‑sharing continue between NATO allies.
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