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US to cut troop levels in Germany by 5,000 amid Trump spat with Merz
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US to cut troop levels in Germany by 5,000 amid Trump spat with Merz

BBC News · May 1, 2026, 10:06 PM · Also reported by 4 other sources

Key takeaways

  • Max Matza Getty Images The US Department of Defence plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, amid a spat between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war with Iran.
  • The decision comes a day after Trump criticised Merz, who suggested the US had been "humiliated" by Iranian negotiators.
  • In social media posts on Thursday, Trump said Merz was "doing a terrible job" and had "problems of all kinds", including on immigration and energy.

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Max Matza Getty Images The US Department of Defence plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, amid a spat between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war with Iran.

The decision comes a day after Trump criticised Merz, who suggested the US had been "humiliated" by Iranian negotiators.

In social media posts on Thursday, Trump said Merz was "doing a terrible job" and had "problems of all kinds", including on immigration and energy. Trump has also suggested pulling US troops from Italy and Spain.

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