The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Friday that the United States has decided to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany, amid escalating tensions between President Donald Trump and European allies.

Trump had threatened last week to reduce U.S. troop levels in Germany following a dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who criticized Washington’s strategy regarding the ongoing conflict, stating he did not understand the U.S. exit plan.

A senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described recent German remarks as “inappropriate and unhelpful,” adding that “the president is responding appropriately to these unconstructive statements.”