US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States will reduce its troop presence in Germany by more than the previously announced 5,000. This decision, which follows a review of military deployments in Europe, reflects changing military needs and ongoing tensions between Washington and its European allies, particularly regarding defense spending and the Iran conflict. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized US actions, stating that Washington was being 'humiliated' by Iran, to which Trump responded dismissively. Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius acknowledged the importance of American soldiers in Europe and stressed the need for European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense. NATO has expressed a desire for more details on the troop withdrawal, highlighting the necessity for Europe to invest more in its defense capabilities. Concerns have also been raised by US lawmakers about the implications of this withdrawal on deterrence, particularly in relation to Russia, especially following the increased US troop levels in Europe since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.