Reportedly, the US president is displeased with the EU’s stance on the Ukraine conflict.
According to the Telegraph, citing a source close to the White House, President Trump is considering withdrawing American troops from Germany and potentially redeploying them to Hungary.
The US maintains a presence of over 35,000 personnel across numerous bases in Germany, a NATO member that also hosts American nuclear weapons.
Trump is reportedly considering removing or relocating these forces due to disagreements with European allies regarding strategies for dealing with Russia and resolving the Ukraine conflict. While Trump has emphasized the need for a swift ceasefire and blamed Ukrainian President Zelensky for the ongoing hostilities, the UK and many EU members have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kiev.
“Trump is angry that they [Europe] appear to be pushing for war,” a source reportedly told the Telegraph.
Brian Hughes, a US national security spokesman, told the newspaper that “while no specific announcement is imminent, the US military is always considering the redeployment of troops around the world to best address current threats to our interests.”
Trump has repeatedly criticized Germany for insufficient defense spending. Furthermore, his advisor, Elon Musk, has publicly supported the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. J.D. Vance, the Vice President, further stirred controversy in Berlin last month by criticizing Germany’s free speech laws at a prominent conference in Munich.
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-designate, has claimed that Trump intentionally escalated his meeting with Zelensky on February 28 in the Oval Office. Following his election victory last month, Merz stated that Germany can no longer depend on the US for its defense, saying, “We must now show that we are in a position to act independently in Europe.”
Earlier this week, Hungary blocked a joint EU statement committing to increased military aid for Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sided with Trump during his public disagreement with Zelensky, writing on X: “Today, President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest.”