Frankfurt (Germany), 2 May (LaPresse) – US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of around 5,000 American troops from Germany. The decision comes after US President Donald Trump recently stated that he wished to consider reducing the military presence in the country, against a backdrop of growing tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The withdrawal is expected to be completed within the next six to twelve months, announced Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. The decision follows ‘a careful review of the US troop presence in Europe’ and takes into account ‘the requirements of operational areas, as well as local conditions’. The measure is the result of a strategic review of the US military presence in Europe and takes into account operational requirements and conditions on the ground. The United States has maintained numerous military bases in Europe for decades, which are crucial for global operations, particularly in the Middle East. Germany is home to key facilities such as the US European Command (EUCOM) in Stuttgart and Ramstein Air Base, a central hub for military transport and logistics. There are currently around 86,000 US troops stationed in Europe, of whom around 38,000 are in Germany. The number fluctuates regularly due to rotations and exercises.