U.S. withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, U.S. officials say

The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday (May 1, 2026), as a rift over the Iran ‌war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe.

Mr. Trump had threatened a drawdown in forces earlier this week after ​sparring with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said on Monday (April 27) the Iranians were humiliating the U.S. in ⁠talks to end the two-month-old war and that he did not see what exit strategy Washington was pursuing.