Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is considering a reduction of its troop presence in Germany. This consideration comes amidst ongoing tensions with Germany and NATO allies, particularly regarding their refusal to assist in a mission to reopen shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Thai News Agency, President Trump used the Truth Social platform to communicate that the U.S. government is currently reviewing the troop reduction plan, with a formal decision anticipated soon. The U.S. Defense Industry Manpower Information Center (DMDC) reports that as of December 2025, over 68,000 U.S. troops were stationed at foreign bases across Europe, with approximately 36,400 in Germany. This is significantly lower than the 250,000 troops stationed there in 1985, at the height of the Cold War.

In recent developments, President Trump has been involved in a verbal exchange with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the situation in Iran. President Trump criticized Merz's understanding of the situation after the Chancellor suggested that the U.S. was at a disadvantage in negotiations with Iran. Despite the disagreements, Chancellor Merz has stated that his relationship with Trump remains positive.

President Trump has consistently urged Germany and other European nations to increase their defense budgets, although he previously acknowledged NATO's commitment to raising defense spending to 5 percent of GDP. The refusal of NATO allies to provide the military support requested by Trump in the conflict with Iran, initiated alongside Israel without informing NATO members, has further strained relations. Additionally, Trump's demand to acquire Greenland, a territory belonging to Denmark and a NATO member, has added to the political tensions.