Under Hegseth and Trump Orders, Pentagon Withdraws 5,000 US Troops from Germany Within 12 Months in 2026

 In May 2026, War Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany, a process set to conclude within a year. This 2026 decision reflects President Trump’s frustration with European allies, specifically Chancellor Friedrich Merz, over their limited involvement in the US-Iran war. While the Pentagon cites operational realignment, the move threatens regional economies in Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate, which rely heavily on the presence of the 39,000 remaining US personnel.