Trump Reviews US Troops in Germany After Merz Criticism
President Trump has started a review of US troops in Germany. The review could lead to fewer of the roughly 36,000 US troops there.
That is the largest US military group in Europe. The review follows criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Merz said the US had no strategy in Iran. He compared Iran to past US actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Trump hit back at Merz. Trump said Merz should fix his own country first.
Trump also said Merz should help end the Russia-Ukraine war instead of commenting on Iran. Meanwhile a US-Israel military campaign against Iran began on February 28 2026.
The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since then. Merz said the closure is causing serious economic harm to Germany and Europe.
Klear Note — Germany hosts the most US troops in Europe. The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route for oil and goods worldwide.
Key Terms 3
- Strait of Hormuz A narrow sea passage vital for global oil shipping
- Chancellor The head of government in Germany
- troop review A formal check on whether to keep or reduce soldiers stationed somewhere